Which of the following epic poems of ancient Greece are traditionally credited to the poet Homer?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Both Iliad and Odyssey

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question is from classical literature and tests your knowledge of the works of Homer, the legendary ancient Greek poet. His epics are foundational texts of Western literature and are regularly mentioned in literature, history and even philosophy courses, so exams often ask you to identify them correctly.


Given Data / Assumptions:
• The poet named in the question is Homer. • We are dealing with epic poems from ancient Greece. • The titles offered include Iliad, Odyssey and Periplus of the Erythraean Sea. • The options also include a combined choice of both Iliad and Odyssey.


Concept / Approach:
Homer is traditionally credited with composing two great epics: the Iliad and the Odyssey. The Iliad focuses on the Trojan War and the wrath of Achilles, while the Odyssey describes the long journey of Odysseus returning home after the war. Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, by contrast, is a later navigational document about trade routes in the Indian Ocean and is not a Homeric epic. Therefore, the correct option must include both the Iliad and the Odyssey together.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the two best known Homeric epics are named Iliad and Odyssey. Step 2: Recognise that Periplus of the Erythraean Sea is not a heroic epic poem but a different kind of text. Step 3: Examine the options carefully and identify which one lists both Iliad and Odyssey. Step 4: Note that option d explicitly states Both Iliad and Odyssey. Step 5: Choose Both Iliad and Odyssey as the correct answer.


Verification / Alternative check:
Literature and mythology references consistently describe Homer as the author, or at least the traditional source, of two epics: the Iliad and the Odyssey. When you look at summaries of Greek mythology, most discussions of the Trojan War and the travels of Odysseus trace these stories back to Homer. There is no authoritative link between Homer and the Periplus, which further confirms that the correct combination is Iliad and Odyssey only.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Iliad: This is one Homeric epic, but the question asks which poems in the list are credited to Homer, and Odyssey must be included as well. Odyssey: Similarly, Odyssey alone is incomplete because Homer is credited with both major epics. Periplus of the Erythraean Sea: This work is a navigational and trade document, not a Homeric poem. Only Iliad and Periplus: This wrongly adds Periplus and leaves out Odyssey, so it does not match the traditional attribution.


Common Pitfalls:
Some students may remember the names of the two epics but forget that exam questions often use combined options like Both Iliad and Odyssey. A quick way to avoid confusion is to always pair the two titles together in memory whenever you see the name Homer. If a multiple choice question offers a combined option with both names, that is usually the correct choice.


Final Answer:
The epic poems traditionally credited to Homer are both the Iliad and the Odyssey.

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