Read the introduction to Selene from The Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome by E. M. Berens.
Just as Helios personified the sun, so his sister Selene represented the moon, and was supposed to drive her chariot across the sky whilst her brother was reposing after the toils of the day.
When the shades of evening began to enfold the earth, the two milk-white steeds of Selene rose out of the mysterious depths of Oceanus. Seated in a silvery chariot, and accompanied by her daughter Herse, the goddess of the dew, appeared the mild and gentle queen of the night, with a crescent on her fair brow, a gauzy veil flowing behind, and a lighted torch in her hand.
What element of a myth does this excerpt contain?
A. a description of a historical event
B. a lesson about the origins of life
C. an explanation of the natural world
D. an exploration of human behavior
I think it is c
Agree
The correct answer is C. an explanation of the natural world.
This excerpt from the introduction to Selene provides a description of the mythical figure Selene, who represents the moon. It explains that she drives her chariot across the sky after her brother Helios, who personifies the sun, is done with his daily tasks. The passage then goes on to describe how Selene rises in the evening with her steeds, accompanied by her daughter Herse, the goddess of the dew. It also mentions the appearance of Selene with a crescent on her brow, a gauzy veil, and a torch in her hand.
This description of Selene and her activities is an example of the explanations that myths often provide for natural phenomena. In ancient times, mythology was used to make sense of various natural occurrences and elements of the world that were not easily understood. In this case, the myth of Selene explains the cycle of the moon and its appearance in the night sky.