Question

which excerpt from the odyssey best shows odysseus demonstrating the epic hero traits of strength and leadership?

○ this was an army, trained to fight on horseback
or, where the ground required, on foot. they came
with dawn over that terrain like the leaves
and blades of spring. so doom appeared to us,
dark word of zeus for us, our evil days.
○ we saw death in that fury, dropped the yards,
unshipped the oars, and pulled for the nearest lee;
then two long days and nights we lay offshore
worn out and sick at heart, tasting our grief,
until a third dawn came with ringlets shining.
○ we stopped to take on water. all ships companies
mustered alongside for the mid-day meal.
then i sent out two picked men and a runner
to learn what race of men that land sustained.
they fell in, soon enough, with lotus-eaters,

Explanation:

To determine which excerpt shows Odysseus' strength and leadership, we analyze each option:

• First option: Describes an enemy army, not Odysseus’ actions.
• Second option: Shows the crew’s reaction to danger, not Odysseus leading.
• Third option: Odysseus “sent out two picked men and a runner” to scout, demonstrating leadership (organizing/reconnaissance) and strategic strength (planning ahead).

Answer:

The third option: "We stopped to take on water. All ships' companies mustered alongside for the mid - day meal. Then I sent out two picked men and a runner to learn what race of men that land sustained. They fell in, soon enough, with Lotus - Eaters,"