all of the above
apex
Oral poetry and storytelling traditions are not written down or published in print form. Bards are skilled poets or storytellers who commonly perform orally to entertain and educate audiences, passing down cultural and historical knowledge through spoken word.
There can be as many alternate readings as there are readers The bard memorizes some parts of the story and improvises others. -APEX
The Anglo-Saxons highly valued bards and poetry as sources of entertainment, history, and cultural wisdom. Bards were respected for their ability to recite epic poems and preserve the oral traditions of their society. Poetry played a significant role in the Anglo-Saxon culture, shaping their beliefs, values, and sense of identity.
Bards needed to memorize the epic poem and recite it using poetic devices like epithets and formulas to aid their memory and keep the story engaging for the audience. This oral tradition required bards to be skilled in performance, improvisation, and adapting the story to suit the audience or occasion.
Odysseus compliments the bard's singing and storytelling skills, acknowledging his talent and ability to entertain the audience.
That captured and kept the audience's attention
poetry
that captured and kept the audience's attention.
APEX: that captured and kept the audience's attention.
Bards played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting the oral traditions, history, and culture of the Mycenaean civilization. They were the primary storytellers and entertainers, passing down myths, legends, and historical events through their poetry and songs, ensuring the collective memory of the society was preserved and shared. The bards also contributed to the creation of a shared cultural identity among the Mycenaean people.
Lady Madonna
Hector Cameron has written: 'The Tiree bards' -- subject(s): Gaelic poetry, Collections