Mythology

Mythology: Final Exam Questions

As with the midterm, you may spend as much or as little time as you like preparing for these questions. I will give you a choice of 2 of these questions for the final exam. The final will also have a multiple choice section for 30% of your grade.

1. Write your own creation myth, footnoting it (5-10 notes) to show what it shares with and how it differs from Near Eastern, Greek and Norse creation myths. In this topic you will want to impress me with (a) your creativity and (b) your understanding of the themes and ideas common to creation myths.

2. According to Jung, "In the case of human behavior and attitudes, patterns are expressed in archetypal images or forms." (M&L, p.11) Some of these archetypes are the animus/anima, wise old man/woman, journey into the underworld, etc. Discuss one archetypal image in at least two of the cultures we have studied. You may use one of those listed above, or another one. You may also chose a culture you have done independent research on, or include modern culture, or look at more that 2 cultures. (Note: if your paper topic was on such an image, chose a different one!)

3. Discuss the similarities and differences between Gilgamesh, Herakles and Thor. How did these gods / heroes function within their own societies? What did they offer the people who believed in them / worshipped them? If you like, you may bring in other hero figures you consider similar, or ones you would like to use for contrast.

4. Discuss the role of Enkidu in the epic of Gilgamesh. Does he have any purpose other than to highlight Gilgamesh's heroic actions? What do we learn from his presence in the story?

5. Discuss the role of Loki in relation to other trickster figures we have studied (or that you recognize in other cultures from your own external knowledge). How do you interpret Loki’s liminal role between gods and giants? Is liminality a central aspect of all tricksters?

6. Discuss the relationship between gods, giants and humans in Norse myth. (You may also include other figures, e.g. elves and dwarfs, if you like). How are gods, humans and giants alike and different? What are their realtive powers and destinies? Use specific stories to illustrate your points.