3. What are some of the themes you notice in the "Love Songs"?
The Egyptian love songs use the terms "brother" and "sister" as generic references to male and female lovers and suggest intimacy as well as the taboo of incest. Brother-sister unions were already written into Egyptian mythology by the time the love songs were penned. Also, the love songs reveal an emerging theme of romantic love, which almost seems out of place in ancient literature.
4. Did the erotic or explicit nature of some of the love songs surprise you? Explain.
The eroticism in the love songs is not wholly surprising, given that many ancient cultures addressed human sexuality frankly and even using graphic depictions. The Egyptians also employed some sexual imagery into their art, as did the ancient Indians and Chinese.
Old Testament
1. In what ways is the Hebrew view of God different from the Sumerian view of the gods as seen in Gilgamesh?
The main reason is that the Hebrew God is strictly One; the Hebrews staunchly affirmed a monotheistic worldview. Sumerian and other early religions including those of ancient Egypt gradually welcomed the concept of one supreme God without neglecting the rest of the pantheon....
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