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Vocabulary. Bellowed – to emit a loud animal-like cry; to roar Abyss – a deep, immeasurable space; a gulf or cavity Batten – to secure or tie down Livid – enraged; furiously angry Stupor – a suspension of one’s sensibility; apathy Firmament – the vault of heaven; the skies
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Vocabulary • Bellowed – to emit a loud animal-like cry; to roar • Abyss – a deep, immeasurable space; a gulf or cavity • Batten – to secure or tie down • Livid – enraged; furiously angry • Stupor – a suspension of one’s sensibility; apathy • Firmament – the vault of heaven; the skies • Consigned – to hand over or deliver formally; to set apart (in one’s mind)
Essential Question: What understanding about Mesopotamian religion is gained from Utnapishtim’s story of the flood?
At Your Desks… • Skim over the reading from last night • Fill out the “Talking Points” sheet
Reading Strategies… Use background information… Don’t read too fast… Asking questions… Writing about it… Talk about it…
The Flood Story Was there a world-wide flood? Comparing Arks What makes it incredible? What makes it believable?
Story of the Flood Utnapishtim tells of a time when the earth “teemed” with people Enlil’s complaint Ea’s offering of help to Utnapishtim Utnapishtim’s actions The Gods bring the Flood waters Enlil’s anger continues and Ea’s rebuke Enlil’s reconciliation with Utnapishtim
The Gods Enlil – his anger decides man’s fate Ea – helps Utnapishtim to survive Nergal, Ninurta – bring the rains The Annanuki – cause fires on the earth Shamash – hides the sun Ishtar – sorrows over the death of her creatures
Mesopotamian Beliefs • The view of the gods presented • Possess human characteristics • Pettiness • Easily irritated • Vindictive • Remorseful • Deceitful
Mesopotamian Beliefs • The view of the gods presented • Interaction with humans • Power to destroy/power to preserve • Intercede on behalf of humanity • So, what did Mesopotamians believe? • God’s are to be feared • Man is at the mercy of the gods’ whims
Purpose of the Flood Story • History the Mesopotamians • Explain certain natural phenomena • Geography • Extinction of certain species • Violent weather • Provide spiritual “food for thought” • Human mortality • Divine intervention in human affairs • Provides a basis for morality
Homework • Read “The Return” pp. 32-33 • In your view, what does Gilgamesh realize about the desire for everlasting life and humankind’s mortality? Explain how key events in this section support your ideas.