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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. in "The Deeds of the Asvins", Pedu is the character who was given a white horse that killed _____.

2. A 'yojana' is a measurement of _____.

3. What is another name for the 'axis mundi' mentioned in "Guard Us from the Monstrous Abyss"?

4. What is the name of Yama's twin?

5. Who are the sky and earth parents of?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the poet ask for at the end of "Parjanya, the Bull", and why?

2. What does Vena personify in the hymn of the same name, and how does this relate to the theme of the hymn?

3. What are two meanings of "Atri and the Lost Sun"?

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

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

6. How is creation mythology presented in "Varuna Provoked to Anger"?

7. In the dialogue between Agastya and the Maruts in "Agastya and the Maruts", what is Agastya trying to do?

8. Who are the sons of the sun and what are their roles?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the plot of the allegory of the "The Boy and the Chariot"? How does the boy follow his father into the realm of Yama? What is he trying to accomplish? What does the chariot symbolize in this myth and throughout the Rig Veda?

Essay Topic 2

What are the Maruts known for? Whom do they serve? Why does Agastya have to apologize to them?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the ritual involved in the sacrifice of the horse. Describe of each stage of the sacrifice. Who is involved? Who is the sacrifice dedicated to?

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