Introduction to Mythology

Myths often function as a connection to __________, or the customs and beliefs of a group of people.

culture

Which excerpt from "The Beginnings of the Maasai" is the best example of a feature found in myths?

d. One by one, Enkai sent the cattle walking down branches of the fig tree, all the way down to the roots at the ground.

When summarizing the __________ of a plot, one should notice the key ideas about how the conflict builds.

middle

A traditional story that explains a belief system, a natural phenomenon, or a world view of a group of people is called a __________.

myth

Our relationship with Enkai is essential to the tribe. Enkai is neither male nor female. The sky god is powerful, but can change from nurturing to vengeful depending on our behavior. Sometimes Enkai is Enkai Narok, the Black God, happy with us and blanketing the sky with dark clouds that pour out rain to nourish the plains. When angry, though, Enkai becomes Enkai Nonyokie—the Red God. In these times, the sun grows incredibly hot until the earth dries up and becomes barren. Because of this, we work to keep Enkai happy. Which information from this passage about Enkai is most important to include in a summary of the overall story?

a. The tribe's relationship with Enkai is crucial to them.

In "The Beginnings of the Maasai," the daughter of the Maasai explains the relationship between the Maasai and their sky god Enkai. She explains how a volcanic eruption sent Enkai and the cattle into the sky. In order to save the cattle, Enkai created a giant tree that allowed them to walk back to earth. Then, Enkai entrusted Neiterkob, the narrator's father, and his tribe to care for the cattle. As a result, the cattle are sacred to the Maasai, and the Maasai maintain a close connection with Enkai. Is this an effective summary of the story?

a. Yes, because it includes key ideas from the beginning, middle, and end, and it explains the conflict and the resolution.

Which are features of myths? Check all that apply.

a. supernatural gods or animals b. fantastic settings d. an attempt to explain the origin of the universe f. conflicts between worlds, beings, self, or natural elements

Which best summarizes the resolution of the conflict at the end of "The Beginnings of the Maasai"?

b. Although the Kamba chopped down the fig tree, the Maasai tribe are still connected with Enkai through their cattle.

Neighboring hunters from the Kamba were jealous of Neiterkob's special relationship with Enkai and the gift of our cattle. Out of vengeance, they hewed the fig tree into little pieces. It was heartbreaking to lose this strong bond with the sky god, but as long as we still have our cattle, we can still feel the joy of being connected to Enkai. Now Enkai lives at the top of Mount Kenya, and we Maasai still live below, herding cattle down in the plains. It's not a bad life, especially when Enkai is the Black God, providing for us. And when the cattle or other children cause problems, I just warn them that they never know when I might suddenly develop my godly powers. Which sentence contains the most elements of a final summary?

b. Now Enkai lives at the top of Mount Kenya, and we Maasai still live below, herding cattle down in the plains.

Which is the best summary of the beginning of "The Beginnings of the Maasai"?

b. The daughter of the Maasai introduces herself and the Maasai, and explains their important relationships with their cattle and the sky god Enkai.

Neiterkob was confused at first. It was one thing for an eruption to send cows flying up into the sky, but it was another problem entirely to get them down to earth again. The wise god knew how to solve the problem. Enkai grew a giant fig tree out on the plains. The tree grew rapidly, and its branches grew so high that they reached up into the heavens. One by one, Enkai sent the cattle walking down branches of the fig tree, all the way down to the roots at the ground. My father and our people accepted the cattle and began to herd them with the sticks that Enkai had given us. Now, the rest of the tribe calls my father the "Beginner of the Earth" because he mediates between Enkai and our tribe, just as he did when the cattle returned from the sky. What does the passage explain?

b. a people's culture

As a result of a volcanic eruption, Enkai and the cattle were thrown into the sky. Enkai wanted to save his cattle. He grew a tree that bridged the sky and the earth. The cattle walked down the tree to Neiterkob. Neiterkob and the Maasai tribe took over caring for the cattle. Why does the summary need to be revised?

c. The summary lacks transitions that connect ideas.

Why does Neiterkob's daughter most likely tell the myth "The Beginnings of the Maasai"?

c. to explain to the reader the origin of Maasai culture

These cattle are sacred, because they are actually a divine gift from the sky god, Enkai. Our tribe makes a living by caring for the cattle, feeding them, and protecting them. What is the purpose of this passage?

c. to explain why the culture honors cattle

Our relationship with Enkai is essential to the tribe. Enkai is neither male nor female. The sky god is powerful, but can change from nurturing to vengeful depending on our behavior. Sometimes Enkai is Enkai Narok, the Black God, happy with us and blanketing the sky with dark clouds that pour out rain to nourish the plains. When angry, though, Enkai becomes Enkai Nonyokie—the Red God. In these times, the sun grows incredibly hot until the earth dries up and becomes barren. Because of this, we work to keep Enkai happy. Why is this excerpt a good example of a feature often found in a myth?

d. It features a reference to a supernatural being.

I am the daughter of the great Neiterkob, the Father of the Maasai tribe in Africa. You might think that this makes me special, but my father believes that I should live just like the rest of the tribe. Thus, he sends me to look after our tribe's cattle with the other daughters and sons. These cattle are sacred, because they are actually a divine gift from the sky god, Enkai. Our tribe makes a living by caring for the cattle, feeding them, and protecting them. Which phrase from the passage refers to a key element found in myths?

d. from the sky god, Enkai

Now Enkai lives at the top of Mount Kenya, and we Maasai still live below, herding cattle down in the plains. It's not a bad life, especially when Enkai is the Black God, providing for us. And when the cattle or other children cause problems, I just warn them that they never know when I might suddenly develop my godly powers. The main purpose of the passage is to illustrate the relationship between the Maasai and

d. their god