Question

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 description of a historical event
a lesson about the origins of life
an explanation of the natural world
an exploration of human behavior

Explanation:

The excerpt frames Selene as the personification of the moon, using the mythic figure to explain the natural phenomenon of the moon's nightly presence in the sky, which aligns with explaining the natural world. The other options do not fit: there is no historical event, lesson on life's origins, or exploration of human behavior here.

Answer:

an explanation of the natural world