Final answer:
Homer's epic poems, The Iliad and The Odyssey, are part of the oral tradition, which involved storytelling and the preservation of culture through spoken word. These narratives were eventually written down during the eighth century BCE. The correct answer to the student's question is option d) Oral.
Step-by-step explanation:
The epic poems of Homer, specifically The Iliad and The Odyssey, belong to an ancient tradition known as the oral tradition. These works were originally passed down through generations by word of mouth by traveling singers or bards. During the eighth century BCE, supposedly at the interlude of the Greek Dark Ages, the poems were transcribed using the Greek alphabet, preserving the rich tapestry of Mycenaean-era heroics, Greek virtues such as arete, and the cultural beliefs of the time.
The oral tradition is significant in that it maintained historical and cultural narratives prior to the advent of written records. This tradition is especially important considering that texts like Homer's epics provided the foundation for the education system in ancient Greece, acting as a sort of encyclopedia for the Greek people.
The Epic Poem of Homer is therefore properly associated with the oral tradition, making option d) the mentioned correct option in the final answer.