Now zeus the lord of cloud roused in the north
a storm against the ships, and driving veils of squall
moved down like night on land and sea.
the bows went plunging at the gust;
sails cracked and lashed out strips in the big wind.
we saw death in that fury, dropped the yards,
unshipped the oars, and pulled for the nearest lee:
then two long days and nights we lay offshore.

what theme is best revealed by this conflict?

with cooperation, crews can defeat the gods.
dangerous ocean travel claims many lives.
rest is required for all who work hard.
people must respect the wrath of the gods.