Final answer:
Homer is the author of The Odyssey, an epic Greek poem that focuses on the virtue of arete and provides insight into ancient Greek culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author of The Odyssey is Homer. This epic poem, along with The Iliad, was written down in the 8th century BCE and both poems highlight the ancient Greek virtue of arete, which signifies excellence and success in both moral and practical aspects. Homer is celebrated for these epics, which provide insight into Greek values, beliefs, and practices. The poet Virgil wrote the Aeneid, another epic poem, but this was distinctly Roman in nature and should not be confused with Homer's Greek epics.