Why does ancient Homeric literature, especially epics like the Iliad and the Odyssey, still survive and remain influential in the modern world?

Introduction / Context:
Homeric literature refers mainly to the ancient Greek epics the Iliad and the Odyssey, traditionally attributed to Homer. These works are thousands of years old yet they are still read, translated, taught and adapted today. This question asks for the main reason why such ancient literature has survived into the modern era. It tests understanding of how cultural heritage is transmitted over time and why some texts remain living parts of world literature.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Homeric epics originated in an oral tradition and were later written down.
• The question seeks a realistic explanation, not a mythical or exaggerated one.
• The correct option should mention mechanisms of preservation such as oral performance, manuscript copying and continuous study.
• Options that rely on impossible technology or unrealistic political decisions are likely to be incorrect.

Concept / Approach:
Classical texts survive for centuries through a combination of factors: repeated copying by scribes, inclusion in educational curricula, translation into new languages and continuing relevance of their themes. Homeric literature, in particular, started as oral poetry memorised and recited by bards, then was written on scrolls and manuscripts, and later printed in books. The approach to solving this question is to choose the option that reflects these real historical processes rather than fantastical explanations about stone carvings, universal state decrees or religious canonisation across all countries.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note that carving an entire long epic on stone pillars would be impractical, so option A looks unrealistic. Step 2: Recognise that there is no evidence Homer was a king with power to command all temples, which weakens option C. Step 3: Understand that Homeric epics are not the official religious scripture of every European nation, so option D is historically false. Step 4: Examine option B, which mentions strong oral and written traditions and continued study and copying. Step 5: Recall that this description matches how Homeric poems were preserved: oral recitation, manuscript transmission, scholarly attention and printing. Step 6: Select option B because it best reflects the actual processes that allow ancient literature to survive across millennia.

Verification / Alternative check:
Histories of classical literature describe how Greek scholars, Hellenistic librarians, Roman writers, medieval monks and later Renaissance humanists all contributed to preserving, copying and commenting on Homeric texts. These epics were central to education in many periods, ensuring repeated copying and translation. This continuous chain of human effort explains their survival far more convincingly than any claim about indestructible materials or universal political orders.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A exaggerates the durability of stone and ignores the great length of the epics, which would be almost impossible to carve completely on pillars. Option C invents a political identity for Homer as a king and imagines a uniform temple system that never existed. Option D is incorrect because different European countries have diverse religious scriptures, and Homeric literature, although important, is not their official sacred text. These options do not match historical reality.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may be tempted by dramatic sounding explanations such as divine protection, magical materials or absolute royal commands. Others may underestimate the power of human traditions and think that mere age should have destroyed the texts. The key insight is that literature survives when generations value it enough to preserve, recite, copy, study and adapt it. Homeric epics are a prime example of this long chain of cultural care and transmission.

Final Answer:
Correct answer: Because it is preserved through strong oral and written traditions and continues to be studied and copied