Final answer:
A bard is someone who writes or performs epic poems or stories about heroes and their deeds, with ancient Greek poet Homer being a classic example of this type of storyteller. The correct answer is option 4.
Step-by-step explanation:
The individual who writes or performs epic poems or stories about heroes and their deeds is known as a bard. The epic poems of ancient Greece, such as Homer's The Iliad and The Odyssey, are prime examples of bardic storytelling. These epics were not merely stories; they incorporated the Greek virtue of arete, representing excellence in moral, physical, and mental characteristics. Homer, the archaic Greek poet, is often considered the prototype of the bard, whose works were eventually written down during the eighth century BCE, having previously been passed down through oral tradition. These epic tales provided a vast array of information about ancient Greek values, beliefs, practices, and offered guidance on a variety of life's challenges, affirming their place within the Greek educational system.