Ancient Myth Exam 1 Study Guide

Vocabulary and key term flashcards based on the Ancient Myth Exam 1 study guide covering texts, mythological characters, and concepts across Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Israelite, Canaanite, Hittite, Greek, and Norse cultures.

Kemet vs. Deshret

An Egyptian concept contrasting Kemet (the black land) with deshret (the red land).

Memphite vs. Heliopolitan vs. Hermopolitan Cosmogonies

Three distinct Egyptian creation myths centered respectively on Ptah (Memphite), the Ennead (Heliopolitan), and the Ogdoad (Hermopolitan).

Ennead

An Egyptian mythological concept of a grouping of gods that includes Atum, Shu, Tefnut, Nut, and Geb.

Ogdoad

An Egyptian mythological concept of a grouping of eight primordial deities that includes Nun.

Sequence of Mesopotamian Cultures

The chronological sequence of primary Mesopotamian cultures listed on the study guide: Sumerians, Akkadians, and Babylonians.

Ea (Nudimud, Enki)

A major Mesopotamian deity known by the names Ea, Nudimud, and Enki.

Death (Mot)

The deity or personification of death in Canaanite and Ugaritic mythology.

Gaia (Ge, Earth)

The Greek mythological deity representing the Earth, also referred to as Ge.

Ouranos (Sky)

The Greek mythological deity representing the Sky.

Jormungandr

A prominent Norse mythological figure also known as the Midgard Serpent.

Cosmogony

A story, myth, or account describing the origin or creation of the world or universe.

Anthropogony

A myth or narrative explaining the origin or creation of human beings.

Etiological Myth

A myth created to explain the cause, reason, or origin of a physical feature, cultural custom, or natural phenomenon.

Syncretism

The merging or blending of different religious beliefs, cultures, or mythological figures (adjective: syncretic).

Succession Myth

A mythic narrative structure concerning how supreme power or rulership is passed down or seized across generations of gods.

Ragnarok

The series of events and ultimate catastrophic destruction of the world in Norse mythology.

Parthenogenesis

Reproduction without fertilization, appearing in mythological contexts as a form of virgin birth or self-creation.

Chaos (Greek Sense)

In the specific Greek sense, the original void or state of emptiness preceding creation.

Shabako Stone Inscription

An ancient Egyptian primary text included in the study guide reading list (Lopez-Ruiz 24-26).

Enuma Elish

The classic Mesopotamian creation epic included on the exam study guide (Lopez-Ruiz 7-22).

Baal Cycle

A collection of Canaanite/Ugaritic mythic texts included in the study guide reading list (Lopez-Ruiz 176-191).

Kumarbi Cycle

A series of Hittite and Hurrian myths discussed in class regarding the divine succession of power.

Exam Structure

A 110-point exam given on Sept. 24 consisting of 30 points multiple-choice (30 questions), 30 points short answers (6 questions), 20 points image identification (4 questions), and 30 points short essay (1 question).