Question

Read the excerpt from The Odyssey.

He saw the townlands
and learned the minds of many distant men,
and weathered many bitter nights and days
in his deep heart at sea, while he fought only
to save his life, to bring his shipmates home.
But not by will nor valor could he save them,
for their own recklessness destroyed them all—
children and fools, they killed and feasted on
the cattle of Lord Helios, the Sun,
and he who moves all day through heaven
took from their eyes the dawn of their return.
Of these adventures, Muse, daughter of Zeus,
tell us in our time, lift the great song again.

What can be learned about the ancient Greeks from this excerpt? Check all that apply.

They established the first democratic government.
They contributed to art, science, and philosophy.
They valued perseverance, bravery, and strength.
They believed the gods were active in people’s lives.
They emphasized the importance of physical fitness.

Answer 1

They valued perseverance, bravery, and strength.

They believed the gods were active in people’s lives.

This excerpt from the Odyssey tells about Odysseus's journey. It gives a very brief overview stating that he traveled for a long time with the goal of returning home with his shipmates. However, he was unable to save them because they acted like children and fools. The excerpt shows that the Greeks valued perseverance, bravery, and strength because it talks about will and valor. We also see that the gods were active in their lives by the mentioning of the Lord Helios and Muse.