It's a sign of respect. As well as, they did it for personal gain; they wanted the gods to help them do well in battle or war, or on a voyage, or in Odysseus's case; an epic Journey.
Vua La!
Sacrifice was done for two reasons: 1. As part of the act of repentance for unintended 'sin'. 2. To give thanks to HaShem (The Creator). The types of animals that were acceptable for sacrifice are...
N O T - L I K E L Y!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YES.
Genesis 4:4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his...