Use LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to navigate between flashcards;
Use UP and DOWN arrow keys to flip the card;
H to show hint;
A reads text to speech;
156 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
God |
Powerful and important supernatural beings, for example the gods in Hesiod’s Theogony; Zeus, Gaia, Aphrodite, etc. |
|
Hero
|
Figure in whom the gods take a special interest, for example Achilles and Odysseus. |
|
Trickster
|
Rule breakers, play tricks on both humans and gods. Usually shape-changers who can take any form. Sometimes culture heroes. Figures such as Loki in Norse mythology or Prometheus in Greek mythology.
|
|
Creation myth
|
Narrative of how the universe came into being. For example, the creation of the universe with Apsu and Tiamat in the Enuma Elish.
|
|
Succession myth
|
Narrative of how one god succeeds to the kingship of gods, usually by deposing other gods. For example the succession myths in Theogony, Kronos overthrows Ouranos, Zeus overthrows Kronos.
|
|
Combat myth
|
Narrative of how a god (often the storm god) or a hero battles a monstrous enemy. For example Baal’s battle with Mot, in the Baal Cycle.
|
|
Divine council myth
|
Narrative of how two or more gods meet to discuss the fate of one or more humans (whether the gods will help or harm that human). In Enuma Elish, Marduk appears as presiding over a divine council, deciding fates and dispensing divine justice.
|
|
Apocalyptic myth
|
Narrative of how gods rain destruction on humans because one or more humans have offended the gods.
|
|
Flood myth
|
Narrative of how one god, angry at humans, sends a flood to destroy all life on earth. For example, in the Genesis, Yahweh decides to flood the earth because of the sinful state of mankind.
|
|
Heroic quest myth
|
Narrative of how a hero makes a journey to gain experiences and achieve fame. For example, Odysseus’ voyage home after the Trojan War, or the trials of Hercules.
|
|
Katabasis myth
|
Narrative of how a hero makes a descent to the underworld and returns to earth alive. For example, when Orpheus descends into the underworld to bring his wife, Eurydice, back from the dead.
|
|
Trickster myth
|
Narrative of how tricksters transform either themselves or the world around them.
|
|
Polytheism
|
This is the belief in and worship of many gods. It is found in many cultures in the ANE (such as Mesopotamians, Assyrians, Canaanites, Hittites, and Hurrians).
|
|
Anthropomorphism
|
Conception of gods in the shape of human beings. Portrayal of the gods as having a human appearance and qualities.
|
|
Bi-naturalism
|
Conception of gods with “two natures.” For example, Tiamat is a body of water and also a god.
|
|
Syncretism
|
Adaptation of one culture’s belief by another culture. For example, Greek god Zeus = Roman god Jupiter.
|
|
Sphere of influence
|
Areas with which gods are associated or have power. Zeus for example is the god of rain, lightning, kingship, etc.
|
|
Primordial waters
|
Waters that exist at beginning of or before creation. Exist in many creation myths and usually precedes the sea.
|
|
Ancient Near East
|
Includes Mesopotamia, Canaan, Israel, Anatolia/Asia Minor, and Egypt. Greece is not part of the Ancient Near East.
|
|
Mesopotamia
|
Land between two rivers (The Tigris and Euphrates). Has no natural boundaries. Modern day Iraq.
|
|
Sumerians
|
Earliest Mesopotamian/human civilization and the first to build cities. Lived in the southern part of Mesopotamia (Sumer) and spoke a language unrelated to any known.
|
|
Akkadians
|
From the northern part of Mesopotamia. Influenced by the Sumerians, and spoke a Semitic language related to Hebrew.
|
|
Babylonians
|
Semitic people known as the Amorites, conquered Sumer and Akkad. Established Babylon as their capital city, led them to be called Babylonians. The territory they controlled is called Babylonia.
|
|
Enuma Elish
|
Babylonian creation epic. Describes Marduk’s defeat of Tiamat and his rise to power.
|
|
Marduk
|
The patron god of Babylon and a storm god. In the Enuma Elish he kills Tiamat.
|
|
Cuneiform
|
Earliest known form of written expression. Wedge-shaped characters each of which stand for a particular word or sound. Enuma Elish is written in Akkadian cuneiform.
|
|
Apsu
|
He is the Mesopotamian/Babylonian god of fresh water/primordial waters. He appears in the Enuma Elish. Ea kills him and makes his home out of his body.
|
|
Tiamat
|
Bi-natural goddess (sea/god) in the Babylonian Enuma Elish. She is killed by Marduk.
|
|
Anshar
|
In the Babylonian Enuma Elish, is a male god that mates with Kishar. Together they produce bi-natural god, Anu.
|
|
Anu
|
In the Babylonian Enuma Elish, is a bi-natural god he represents the uppermost part of the sky. He is the father of Ea. Gives the four winds to his grandchild Marduk.
|
|
Ea/Enki/Nuddimud
|
In the Babylonian Enuma Elish, is a trickster god and is associated with human creation. His spheres of influence are cleverness/wisdom and fresh water.
|
|
Mummu
|
In the Babylonian Enuma Elish he is the vizier of Apsu. He is taken captive by Ea.
|
|
Damkina
|
In the Babylonian Enuma Elish, mates with Ea. Together they produce Marduk.
|
|
Qingu/Kingu
|
In the Babylonian Enuma Elish, he is assigned leader of Tiamat’s army. He is given the “Tablet of Destinies.”
|
|
Kakka/Gaga
|
In the Babylonian Enuma Elish, he is Anshar’s vizier. Repeats Tiamat’s monsters passage.
|
|
Tablet of Destinies
|
In the Babylonian Enuma Elish, given to Qinqu by Tiamat. Marduk takes the tablet from Qinqu and gives it to Anu.
|
|
Semitic
|
Refers to people who speak a language relating to Hebrew. The Akkadians are an example of a Semitic group.
|
|
Babylon
|
Located in Mesopotamia. Was sacked around 1600 BCE by the Hittites. |
|
Hammurapi
|
Famous Babylonian king, who around is known for the set of laws called Hammurabi’s Code, one of the first written codes of law. |
|
Ziggurat
|
Stepped pyramids made from bricks that were found in most Mesopotamian cities. Were administered by priests, who held both religious and political power. |
|
Baal Cycle
|
Series of poems about the Canaanite god Baal.
|
|
Ugarit
|
Located to the far north of the region of Canaan. Modern day Ras Shamra. Polygot and cosmopolitan area.
|
|
Canaan
|
Semitic speaking region. Modern day Israel.
|
|
Canaanite
|
Rivals with the Israelites. Their storm god was Baal.
|
|
El
|
In the Canaanite Baal Cycle, he is a creator god, often referred to as “father” of the gods. Wise, eternal, and very old.
|
|
Baal
|
In the Canaanite Baal Cycle, he is the Canaanite storm god. Controls winds, thunder, clouds and rain. Son of Dagon, the grain god.
|
|
Zaphon
|
Located near the mouth of the Orontes River. Mountain in which Baal lives.
|
|
Asherah
|
In the Canaanite Baal Cycle, she is called the “mother” of the gods. Wife of El, the Canaanite creator god.
|
|
Anat
|
In the Canaanite Baal Cycle, she is the sister of Baal. She is a virgin goddess, and the goddess of war and hunting. Similar to Artemis and Apollo.
|
|
Kothar-wa-Hasis
|
In the Canaanite Baal Cycle, he is the craftsman god. Makes two clubs for Baal.
|
|
Shapash
|
In the Canaanite Baal Cycle, she is the Canaanite sun goddess. Associated with both life and death. |
|
Attanu-Purlianni
|
Chief priest of Baal temple. The Baal Cycle was found in his library.
|
|
Ilimilku
|
The scribe who wrote the Baal Cycle.
|
|
Niqmaddu II
|
Second ruler and king of Ugarit. The Baal Cycle is said to have been written during his reign. |
|
Yam
|
In the Canaanite Baal Cycle, bi-natural sea god. Often associated with dragons and serpents. Fights and is defeated by Baal. |
|
Mot
|
In the Canaanite Baal Cycle, god that represents death. Bi-natural god that lives in the underworld. Fights Baal’s substitute while the real Baal hides in the underworld. Loses to Baal when he emerges from underworld. |
|
Ras Shamra
|
Modern day name of the lost city of Ugarit. Located in the far north region of Canaan. |
|
Hittites
|
Indo-European people. Ancient Anatolian people who established their empire in Hattusas in north-central Anatolia.
|
|
Hattians
|
Indigenous pre-Hittite people. Had over 600 gods.
|
|
Hurrians
|
People from northern Syria. Their empire was called Mitanni.
|
|
Hattusas
|
The capital of the Hittite Empire. Established by the Hittite king, Hattusilis.
|
|
Illuyanka
|
Myth from the Hattians. Combat myth, storm god vs serpent. Two versions.
|
|
Purulli festival
|
Festival celebrated by the Hattians in spring. If the land prospered it was performed for the storm god of the heavens.
|
|
Inara
|
In the Illuyanka myth, she is the daughter of Hattian storm god. Prepares a grand feast to which Illuyanka is summoned.
|
|
Hupasiya
|
In the Illuyanka myth, he is a mortal found by Inara, willing to help her if she sleeps with him. Ties up Illuyanka in version one of the myths.
|
|
Kumarbi Cycle
|
Group of poems about Kumarbi, the Hurrian god. It’s a Hurrian literary work, but written by the Hittites.
|
|
Kumarbi
|
In the Kumarbi Cycle, he is the chief god of the Hurrians. He is associated with the underworld and castrates Anu.
|
|
Alalu
|
In the Kumarbi Cycle, he is king of the gods until he is defeated by Anu. He is the father of Kumarbi.
|
|
Tessub
|
In the Kumarbi Cycle, he is the Hurrian storm god, son of Kumarbi. Destroys Kumarbi and becomes king of the gods.
|
|
Song of Kumarbi
|
Kumarbi Cycle succession myth about Kumarbi’s rise to the kingship of the gods and the birth of the Hurrian storm god Tessub.
|
|
Song of Ullikummi
|
Kumarbi Cycle combat myth about Kumarbi’s “stone child” named Ullikummi. Ullikummi defeats Tessub, who then rallies the gods and defeats Ullikummi.
|
|
Tasmisu
|
In the Song of Ulikummi, he is the brother and helper of Tessub, both defeated by Ullikummi.
|
|
Ullikummi
|
In the Song of Ulikummi, he is the “stone child” son of Kumarbi. He defeats Tessub, but is assumed to have eventually been defeated.
|
|
Ellil
|
In the Song of Ulikummi, Mesopotamian wind/storm god. Put Ullikummi on Ubelurri’s shoulder.
|
|
UbelurriIstanu
|
In the Song of Ulikummi, the sky supporter god of the Hittite culture, earth and heaven built upon him.
|
|
Sauska
|
In the Song of Ulikummi, sister of Tessub. Attempts to seduce Ullikummi.
|
|
Ishtar
|
Babylonian goddess of fertility, love, and war.
|
|
Apzuwa
|
In the Song of Ulikummi, Apsu, where Ea lives.
|
|
Mursilis I
|
King of the Hittites. In charge of the raid on Babylon.
|
|
Hattusilis
|
Father of Musilis and king of the Hittites. Founded what would become the Hittite Empire. Established Hattusas as capital city.
|
|
Indo-European
|
Hypothetical linguistic ancestors of most languages of Europe.
|
|
Mitanni
|
Empire built by the Hurrians. Located in northern Mesopotamia. |
|
Genesis
|
Written in prose and poetic passages, between 950-550 BCE. Genesis means origin.
|
|
Israelites/Hebrews
|
After the Babylonian exile, they changed from monolatry to monotheism. After 538 BCE they were considered Jews.
|
|
’elohim
|
Title of an Israelite god. Used in the Creation in Genesis to call god.
|
|
Yahweh
|
Name of the god of Israel in the Hebrew Bible. Storm god.
|
|
’adonay
|
The word “god” was considered too holy to be said by the Jews. ‘adonay is used instead, meaning “lord”
|
|
Monolatry
|
Recognition of the existence of many gods, but with consistent worship of only one god. The Israelites god was Yahweh.
|
|
Monotheism
|
The belief in the existence of one god or in the oneness of God. After the Babylonian exile, Israelites/Hebrews converted.
|
|
Leviathan
|
In Genesis, Leviathan is a sea monster. Yahweh defeats him. Similar to Marduk vs. Tiamat or Baal vs. Yam.
|
|
Rahab
|
Another name used by the Jews to refer to a sea monster (Leviathan)
|
|
Bereshith
|
Means “In the beginning” in Hebrew. It’s the title of the book of Genesis and is a literary convention in which the first words of the myth are used as the title.
|
|
Shemesh
|
Sun god found in the first creation myth of the book of Genesis. In Hebrew it means “sun”
|
|
Yareah
|
Moon god found in the first creation myth of the book of Genesis. In Hebrew it means “moon”
|
|
Tehom
|
Means, the Deep or Abyss. Refers to the Great Deep of the primordial waters of creation in Genesis
|
|
Cosmocentric
|
Natural forces of the universe are created first and should be preserved. For example the first creation myth of Genesis.
|
|
Geocentric
|
Associated with the creation of earth, sea, and plants. Appears in Genesis “creation”.
|
|
Anthropocentric
|
The position that human beings are the central or most significant animal species. The order in which a creation occurs, allowing humans to rule over everything else.
|
|
Tree of Knowledge
|
In Genesis, tree in the Garden of Eden. Represents the knowledge of good and evil. God tells Adam not to touch the tree or eat from it.
|
|
Tree of Life
|
In Genesis, tree in the Garden of Eden. Represents immortality.
|
|
’itsavon
|
In Genesis, it means pain or toil. Woman cursed by god with the pain of child bearing.
|
|
’adam
|
In Genesis, created from dirt. Expelled from the Garden of Eden for eating from the Tree of Knowledge.
|
|
’adamah
|
In Genesis, it means dirt. Adam is created from dirt.
|
|
Pun
|
Words which sound alike but have different meanings. For example ‘adamah and ‘adam.
|
|
False etymology
|
Explanation of the origins of a word which does not correspond to its actual history.
|
|
Adam
|
Adam is a figure in the book of Genesis. It’s the name given to man by god.
|
|
Eve
|
In Genesis, Eve is the first woman created by god. This name is given to her by man because she is to be the mother of all living.
|
|
Serpent
|
In Genesis, the serpent is a trickster and convinces Eve to take fruit from the Tree of Knowledge.
|
|
Tanakh
|
The name used in Judaism for the Hebrew Bible. The Hebrew Scriptures are divided into three groups of books.
|
|
Israelite
|
Emerged from an important power in Canaan. Semitic Hebrew-speaking people.
|
|
Solomon
|
Son and successor of King David. The reign of Solomon and his father mark the high point of the political power of ancient Israel.
|
|
Babylonian Exile
|
Formative event in the history of ancient Israel. Transformed the Israelites theology from monolatry to one of monotheism.
|
|
Cyrus the Great
|
Founder of the Persian Empire, the largest empire the Near East had seen. Persian Empire conquers Babylon under his rule.
|
|
JEDP Theory
|
The documentary hypothesis, devised by German scholar Julius Wellhausen. This theory divides the composition of the Torah among four different writers.
|
|
Hesiod
|
Greek poet who lived around 750-700 BCE. Wrote the Theogony, about the origin of the gods in Greek mythology and provides rich genealogy showing their relationships.
|
|
Theogony
|
Poem by Hesiod describing the origins and genealogies of Greek polytheism. Theogony means “birth of the gods”
|
|
Proem
|
A preface. An introduction to a book or other literary work written by the work’s author.
|
|
Muses
|
In Greek mythology, they are goddesses of the inspiration of literature, science and the arts. There are nine in total. Inspired Hesiod.
|
|
Helikon
|
In Greek mythology, where the Muses are from. Has a great holy mount.
|
|
Chaos
|
In Hesiod’s Theogony, he is one of the primal gods. Represents both an abstract space and a god.
|
|
Gaia/Ge
|
In Hesiod’s Theogony, she is one of the four primal gods. Her name means “earth”
|
|
Tartaros
|
In Hesiod’s Theogony, one of the four primal gods. Represents the underworld pit.
|
|
Eros
|
In Hesiod’s Theogony, one of the four primal gods. Represents sexual desire.
|
|
Erebos
|
In Hesiod’s Theogony, created by Chaos through a “virgin birth.” Personification of darkness, one of the first five beings to come into existence from Chaos.
|
|
Ouranos
|
In Hesiod’s Theogony, produced by a virgin birth of Gaia. Primal Greek god personifying the sky.
|
|
Titans
|
In Hesiod’s Theogony, they are the first set of children by Gaia and Ouranos. Okeanos, Kronos, and Rhea.
|
|
Cyclopes
|
In Hesiod’s Theogony, they are the second set of children by Gaia and Ouranos. They create thunderbolts for Zeus.
|
|
Hundred-handers
|
In Hesiod’s Theogony, they are the third set of children by Gaia and Ouranos. Three giants of incredible strength and ferocity that surpassed that of all Titans whom they helped overthrow.
|
|
Zeus
|
In Hesiod’s Theogony, king of Greek gods. Father of the 9 muses. Son of Kronos.
|
|
Kronos
|
In Hesiod’s Theogony, he is one of the Titans. Castrates his father Ouranos and throws his genitals to the sea. Out of which Aphrodite is born.
|
|
Sickle
|
In Hesiod’s Theogony, a sickle is a hand-held agricultural tool with a curved blade. Kronos uses a sickle to castrate Ouranos.
|
|
Adamant
|
In Hesiod’s Theogony, the sickle Kronos uses to castrate Ouranos is made out of adamant, a stone believed to be an unbreakable or extremely hard substance.
|
|
Erinyes
|
In Hesiod’s Theogony, drops of blood from Ouranos fall on the earth, out of which Erinyes (also known as “Furies”) are born (goddesses of vengeance)
|
|
Furies
|
In Hesiod’s Theogony, drops of blood from Ouranos fall on the earth, out of which Furies (also known as “Erinyes”) are born (goddesses of vengeance)
|
|
Giants
|
In Hesiod’s Theogony, drops of blood from Ouranos fall on the earth, out of which Giants are born. Giants are a race of great strength and aggression
|
|
Meliae
|
In Hesiod’s Theogony, drops of blood from Ouranos fall on the earth, out of which Meliae(also known as “ash-tree nymphs”) are born.
|
|
Ash-tree Nymphs
|
In Hesiod’s Theogony, drops of blood from Ouranos fall on the earth, out of which Ash-tree Nymphs (also known as “Meliae”) are born.
|
|
Nymphs
|
In Greek mythology, nymphs are minor female nature deities, associated with a particular location or landform. Divine spirits who animate nature, love to dance and sing.
|
|
Aphros
|
In Hesiod’s Theogony, it means foam. Is associated with the sea and out of foam, Aphrodite was born.
|
|
Aphrodite
|
In Hesiod’s Theogony, she is born from the foam that surrounds Ouranos’ genitals. She is the goddess in charge of sexual desire and mother of Eros.
|
|
Rhea
|
In Hesiod’s Theogony, she is the daughter of Ouranos and Gaia. Mates with Kronos and gives birth to the Olympians.
|
|
Olympians
|
In Hesiod’s Theogony, is the name given to the children of Rhea and Kronos. Zeus is the only one that is not swallowed by his father Kronos.
|
|
Omphalos
|
Religious stone artifact that Zeus used to mark the center of the world, the most famous of these was in Delphi.
|
|
Delphi
|
In Greek mythology, shrine of Apollo and site of the Oracle, who was sought after for advice.
|
|
Apollo
|
In Greek mythology, Apollo is the son of Zeus and Leto. He is the god of music and of healing, taught man medicine. God of light and truth.
|
|
Titanomachy
|
In Hesiod’s Theogony, Titanomachy is a ten year battle between the Olympians and Titans. After Zeus defeats the Titans he throws them into Tartaros.
|
|
Metis
|
In Hesiod’s Theogony, her name means cleverness. She is the wife of Zeus, who he swallowed because she was going to give birth to Athena.
|
|
Athena
|
In Hesiod’s Theogony, she is the daughter of Zeus and spurs from his head. She is the goddess of wisdom, craftiness and military strategy.
|
|
Typhoios/Typhoeus/Typhon
|
In Hesiod’s Theogony, he is a 100 headed, fire-breathing dragon. Battles Zeus and is the representation of fire (chaos). Zeus sends him to Tartaros.
|
|
Apollodorus
|
Greek author of Athens. In ancient times, he used to be considered the author of the Library
|
|
Library
|
Work that attempted to summarize all Greek mythology from the creation of the universe to the legendary deeds of heroes. It was written in imperial times by a writer whose name is unknown.
|
|
Delphyne
|
In Greek mythology, Delphyne is the name of the female dragon. In Hesiod’s Theogony, she guards the cave where Typhon hid the sinews from Zeus.
|
|
Mt. Aitna
|
Mountain located in Sicily. In Zeus vs. Typhon, it says that to this day blasts of fire issue from the thunderbolts that were thrown at it by Zeus.
|
|
Phoenicians
|
Ancient Semitic Canaanite civilization situated on the western, coastal part of the Fertile Crescent. Invented the Phoenician alphabet that was closely related to the earlier Ugaritic alphabet.
|
|
Ascra
|
Ascra was an ancient town in Boeotia. Best known today as the place where the poet Hesiod was born.
|
|
Cyme
|
City located in Asia Minor. Hesiod’s father lived here before moving to Ascra. |