Read the excerpt from The Iliad of Homer. The old man stretching his hands out called pitifully to him: "Hektor, beloved child, do not wait the attack of this man alone, away from the others. You might encounter your destiny beaten down by Peleion . . .” What ancient Greek belief does this excerpt best illustrate?

The old man warns Hektor that he may meet his “destiny” if he faces Achilles alone. This shows the belief that fate shapes what will happen to a person, even when they try to avoid danger. So the excerpt best illustrates the power of fate, not funeral rituals, heroic acts, or the influence of the gods.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.