If you are looking for the beginning of study guide for Tales of Ancient Egypt by Roger Lancelyn Green then you should start HERE with the brief introduction. The links to each set of study questions will be posted at the bottom of that original post as they are completed so you can easily find whichever section you are looking for.
Grammar Questions: (The Information of the Text)
Where did the land of Egypt come from according to the text? (pg. 3)
By what means does Ra create things? (pg. 3)
What is the last thing Ra created? (pg. 4)
Who was the first ruler of Egypt according to the story? (pg. 4)
Who corrupts humanity so that they rebel against Ra? (pg. 4)
What does Ra propose to do because of man’s rebellion? (pg. 6)
Who intercedes and what counter suggestion is offered? (pg. 6)
What does Ra make in order to deal with rebellious humanity? (pg. 6)
How does Ra overcome Sekhmet? (pg. 7-8)
What becomes of Sekhmet in the end? (pg. 8-9)
Logic Questions: (The Interpretation of the Text)
In the first few lines of the text on page 3 it states, “Ra, the shining one, came into being.” The very next line says, “He was all-powerful.” Are these two statements consistent (both can be true at the same time)? Why?
What is the relationship of the gods to natural events and elements? (pg. 3, et. al.)
How does the text show that Ra is not omnipotent after all? (pg. 7)
The last line of this story says that mankind, who was given “love” was given “both a new delight and a new pain.” (pg. 9) Since delight and pain are considered opposites, how can love be both?
Rhetoric Questions: (The Analysis of the Text)
What is a Myth?
There are some striking similarities between Egyptian mythology and the Genesis creation account. As Christians, how should we respond to this?
Does Nun give good advice to Ra on page 6? Why or why not?
Sekhmet the Slayer becomes Hathor the Lady of Love (goddess of love). Ra says, “Yet your power over mankind shall be greater even than it was - for the passion of love shall be stronger than the passion of hate, and all shall know love, and all shall be your victims.” (pgs. 8-9) Is love truly stronger than hate? What do you think and why?
Theological Analysis: (Sola Scriptura)
Ra has a “secret name.” (pg. 3) Compare this to Exodus 3:13-15. What is different and why does it matter?
Compare this story to Genesis 1 and 2. What is similar and what is different? What is important about the differences?
Ra incarnates (takes on flesh) and becomes a man while still a god, so he can be Pharaoh. In what ways is this similar and in what ways is it different when compared to the incarnation of Jesus? Consider Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38; Philippians 2:4-10; and John 1:1-5, 14 and other similar passages of Scripture as you answer.
How is Apophis similar and dissimilar to Satan? Consider Genesis 3; Matthew 4; and Revelation 12 among other passages when answering.
Virtues/Vices/Great Ideas: (Find them in the Text)
Creation, Incarnation, Wilderness vs. Civilization, Justice, Love
Westminster Shorter Catechism Questions:
Creation: Q4, Q5, Q6, Q7, Q8, Q9, Q10, Q11
Incarnation of Christ: Q21, Q22, Q27, Q28
Literary Cross-References:
Lapis lazuli: This stone, mentioned in this reading, was often used for decorative purposes in the ancient mediterranean region. It is known for its deep blue color. It is also mentioned numerous times in The Epic of Gilgamesh.