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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who is the mother of the gods?
(a) Siva.
(b) Aditi.
(c) Yami.
(d) Mitra.

2. in "The Deeds of the Asvins", Pedu is the character who was given a white horse that killed _____.
(a) Goats.
(b) Its previous master.
(c) Snakes.
(d) Gods.

3. The overturned cask is a frequent metaphor for a _____.
(a) An earthquake.
(b) The loss of life.
(c) The loss of Soma.
(d) A torrent of rain.

4. The Maruts are _____ portrayed always as a group.
(a) Fertility gods.
(b) Water-gods.
(c) Wind-gods.
(d) Sun worshipers.

5. What is another name for the 'axis mundi' mentioned in "Guard Us from the Monstrous Abyss"?
(a) The navel of the world.
(b) The lightning of Agni.
(c) The daylight in the rock.
(d) The Soma.

Short Answer Questions

1. In "Varuna the Friend of Vasistha", where does the sun rest all night?

2. In stories associated with "Apala and Indra", what is the second skin that is sloughed off of Apala?

3. Who is the mother of the Maruts?

4. Who performed the first sacrifice by mortals for immortals?

5. Seven gods guard Soma, among whom _____ is the foremost.

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the central image of the hymn, "Mudgala's Wife and the Bull in the Chariot", and how do their interpretations overlap?

2. In "Varuna Provoked to Anger", what is the nature of Vasistha's sins toward Varuna?

3. Why does the author say it is a possibility that priests are being satirized in "The Frogs"?

4. Why is the Rig Veda described in "Realia" as worldly?

5. Who brandishes their power and in what way in "The Deeds of Varuna"?

6. What are the different meanings of the 'house of clay' metaphor in "The House of Clay"?

7. What is the conflict present in all of the dialogues with women in the Rig Veda? Who succeeds, and who fails in this conflict?

8. Who competes in the contest in "The Maruts" and what are they doing in the competition?

9. How is the phrase 'O, little mother' a triple entendre in "Indra and the Monkey"?

10. What is the nature of Soma in "The Marriage of Surya"?

(see the answer keys)

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