Human Beings are odd creatures sometimes. For some reason, every culture on Earth has its own sets of superstitions. In every culture around the world there is a set of beliefs held by the people that have nothing to do with reason or knowledge but are based on luck, prophecy or folklore that will influence future events.

One of the most widespread superstitious beliefs is that the number 13 is unlucky. So pervasive is this notion that many hotels and office buildings in Europe and the United States do not have a room number 13.

In Scandinavian mythology there were 12 Aesir or gods living in relative harmony until the god Loki came among them, making the 13th. Loki was cruel and evil, and according to the myths, he took special delight in causing human misfortunes. Because he was evil, and because he was the 13th member of the hierarchy of the gods, the number 13 came to be looked upon as an omen of ill luck. Another explanation for the origin of this superstition also comes from Scandinavian mythology, which states the winged Valkyries, who waited to escort the heroes fallen in battle to Valhalla, were 13 in number.

The most popular explanation for the superstition surrounding the number 13 is that there were 12 apostles and their master Jesus who partook of the Last Supper, Judas Iscariot being represented as the 13th guest.

According to Christian tradition, Judas betrayed his master after they had observed the Passover meal. Judas later hanged himself because of his guilt, and he was said to be damned for all time as his punishment.

It has long been a matter of etiquette in France to avoid having exactly 13 guests at a dinner or party. Napoleon wouldn't allow a dinner to begin if there were 13 guests at the table. There is a custom of the “quartrozieme”, a professional guest who can be called on short notice to avoid having only 13 people dining at a dinner party. Although the superstition of 13 guests is not quite so strong in the United States, President Herbert Hoover would not permit a gathering of 13 while he was in the White House. President Franklin D Roosevelt had the same superstition, and it is said that his personal secretary was often called upon to be the 14th guest at a dinner party.

Which of the following statements is true?

How many stories are presented to explain the origin of the superstition of number 13?

According to the passage, ________.

Which American President believed the superstition of 13 guests?

In writing this passage, the author intends to ________.