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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. What are the human and demonic enemies of the invading Indo-Aryans?

2. Who carries Indra to heaven to bring Soma to men and gods?

3. How many corners does the earth have in "A Spell to Turn Back the Departing Spirit"?

4. In the hymn "Yama and the Fathers", who is being told to go away from the burning-ground where they live?

5. What turns into a plant that is used as a substitute for the Soma plant in the hymn, "Soma and Indra and the Eagle"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the sacred grass in "The Hymn of Man" and what is it used for?

2. How are Agni and Soma linked?

3. Who are the Asuras in the beginning of the Vedas, as opposed to their role toward the end?

4. What is the meaning of the use of hunger in "In praise of Generosity"?

5. What is the sacrificial horse identified with?

6. Who eats from the tree of knowledge in "The Riddle of the Sacrifice", and what does this mean?

7. What is the role of the goat in "The Sacrifice of the Horse" and for whom does it do this?

8. What is the function of the "Royal Consecration" hymn, and what would accompany it?

9. Who are the three brothers in "The Riddle of the Sacrifice" and with whom are they associated in the text?

10. What is the function of the goat in "The Funeral Fire"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe how Soma is symbolic. What is it made from? What is its function? Who uses it? Why?

Essay Topic 2

What are the different types of oblation? Where and when are they presented, and by whom? Cite specific instances from the hymns.

Essay Topic 3

There are many metaphors for the sun in the Rig Veda. Find examples of these and explain how they are used. The sun itself is a metaphor for which gods? Cite examples.

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