Assignment task:
Q1. What element figures prominently in, or is essential to creation in both stories? In what other myths did this element play an important role? What insight does this give about how the Mesopotamians and Hebrews viewed their universe?
Q2. Why does Apsu become upset with the younger gods and decide to kill them? Where have we encountered this situation before (which myth)? What structuralist theme (conflict) is at work here?
Q3. What social insights does the Enuma Elish give about Mesopotamian society? Hint: you may want to consider messages about generations in a family, and rulers or advisors.
Q4. How does Tiamat change over the course of the Enuma Elish? What might be the broader social or symbolic significance of her defeat by Marduk?
Q5. Compare the creation and purpose of humans in the Enuma Elish and Genesis. What does this suggest about each culture's views of humans (what messages do they send about humans to their human audience)?
Q6. What seem to be the main purposes of the Enuma Elish and creation story in Genesis? Briefly compare them. [Consider different modern theories of interpreting myths when answering this question.]