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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. The Vasus are a group of gods associated with _____.

2. The long-haired ascetic is an early precursor of the Upanisadic _____.

3. Which word in the Rig Veda means 'to sprinkle'?

4. How many of the horse's thirty-six ribs are distributed to the universe in ritual sacrifice?

5. What is thought of as a symbol of rain and fertility?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the sacrificial horse identified with?

2. What is the nature of the 'child of the waters' and how does this relate to Agni?

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

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

5. What is the back story about the priest of the oblation's getting angry in "The Birth of Agni", and what does the priest do that is mentioned in this hymn?

6. What is the function of the enclosing-sticks in "The Hymn of Man" as opposed to the fuel-sticks?

7. What are the first ritual laws called, and what is their purpose?

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

9. What are the the three forms of speech highlighted in the hymn, "Speech", and what do they represent?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the many faces of Agni and how he fits into the hierarchy of beings in the Rig Veda. What is mysterious about his birth? Why does he hide?

Essay Topic 2

What role does 'butter' play in the Rig Veda? What is its literal meaning in this context? Find examples of and explain its metaphorical meaning.

Essay Topic 3

Who are the Asvins? Who bore them, and out of what part of her body? What are their deeds?

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This section contains 675 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample