A short while ago, we studied the Enuma Elish, the Babylonian creation myth. Thi

Question

A short while ago, we studied the Enuma Elish, the Babylonian creation myth. This week, we read the Memphite Creation myth, and are looking at some of the other main creation myths of Egypt. In this week's lecture, I've included a short comparison of the cosmologies of the two cultures.

In addition to what I've pointed out in my comparison, what similarities do you see? What differences? What similarities/differences between the Babylonian culture and the Egyptian culture might the differences in the myths be attributed to?

Write at least two paragraphs, of at least five sentences each. In the first paragraph, set out the similarities/differences you've noticed. In the second paragraph, analyze them, and attribute them to cultural differences.

If you quote or paraphrase from a source, use an informal citation (title, author, page or website) in parentheses.

Explanation / Answer

Babylonian myth involves stories which mostly involves mythological creatures. These stories tried to show a way of living from political,social and festivals point of view. It also explained natural pphenomenon. Worshipping the idols is a Important part of Babylonian myth.

In Memphite Creation Myth, Memphis is believed to be the God of craftsmen and architects. Memphis, according to the mythology is also called Pitah or Ptah which means 'Father'. He is seen as a creator of the nature and also a preserver of the world. Different names were given to him like, Ptah Lord of truth, Ptah master of justice and so on depending on the need of the society then.

Where Babylonian myth holds worshipping the statues which means different Gods residing in different idols. The Memphite myth has just one figure to worship with different names though, Ptah being the same.

The similarities I see are that in both the cultures, nature and society are being explained. There are heroes in Babylonian myth while a Father in Memphite myth.

Of course there are cultural differences in terms of way of living, celebrating the festivals and so on. The Egyptian myth also associated Ptah with the sun. Showing the power a sun holds.

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