DUE: Sept. 29, 2012 at 11:59 HOL pm
_Please email your homework to [email protected] in text format. The subject of the email should be "Japanese Mythology - HW1 - HOL ID" or "Japanese Mythology - EC1 - HOL ID". Please submit your homework and extra credit separately. Also remember to include your full HOL name, HOL ID, and House name in the
body of your email.
Homework 1
There are several options available here, but you only need to do 30 points worth. Please do not exceed this limit--if you do, I will not count it towards extra credit.
PART 1: Short Answers (10 pts)
Answer the questions in complete sentences. Each blank is worth 1 points for a total of 10 points.
PART 2: True or False (10 pts)
If the statement is false, please rewrite it so it is true. Each question is worth 1 point, for a total of 10 points.
PART 3: Multiple Choice (10 pts)
For each of the questions, choose the most appropriate answer. Each question is worth 2 point, for a total of 10 points.
1. The name of the spear Izanagi and Iznami were given was called the
a) Kotoamatsukami.
b) Takama-ga-hara.
c) Ama-no-Nuboko.
d) Ame-no-mihashira.
2. Ryujin is a ____________ with an ability to transform into a human at will.
a) dragon
b) duck
c) shark
d) sea serpent
3. Yakusa no ikazuchi is another name for the god of
a) wind.
b) lightning.
c) mountains.
d) wells.
4. Izanagi took his comb that was used to tie back his hair and later used it as a
a) weapon of self defense.
b) torch.
c) back-scratcher.
d) piece of wood to light a fire.
5. While Izanagi was escaping the underworld, he took a boulder and
a) ate it to regain his strength and keep running.
b) threw it at Izanami and the shikome to impede them from catching up with him.
c) hid behind it so Izanami and the shikome wouldn't be able to find him.
d) used it to block the entranceway of the world of the dead and world of the living.
PART 4: Essay Question (20 pts)
Answer the following essay question using at least 150 words and in complete sentences. There is no right or wrong answer. Only remember to provide reasoning to your opinions.
Do you think that the outcome of Izanagi's visit to the Underworld was the fault of any of the two deities? Why? Do you think that Izanagi or Izanami could have done something differently in the situation to prevent things from getting so far and resulting in the creation of death?
PART 1: Short Answers (10 pts)
Answer the questions in complete sentences. Each blank is worth 1 points for a total of 10 points.
- As told in the Kojiki, the beginning of the world was a time of __________, where everything existed as a limitless and ______________ mass of disorder.
- It was said that when ____________ and Izanami were taking a walk, Izanagi thrust his spear in the water, pulled it out, and caused clumps of _____ to fall back into the sea.
- The second part of the creation story is called the ___________ and describes the birth of the original Japanese _________.
- The couple continued to reproduce various offspring until the god of fire, ____________ burned and killed Izanami as she was giving birth to him. Desolate with grief, Izanagi retaliated by decapitating Kagutsuchi and cutting his son into _______ pieces.
- Instructing the _________ to join the hunt for her husband, Izanami pursued her husband all the way to the boundaries of the ______ world.
PART 2: True or False (10 pts)
If the statement is false, please rewrite it so it is true. Each question is worth 1 point, for a total of 10 points.
- The Kojiki is the oldest collection of poems and songs of Japan's history.
- The Kamiumi refers to the first part of the creation story, which details how the Earth as we know it came to be.
- Given a magical sword by higher powers, Izanagi and Izanami were assigned the duty of turning the earth into a habitable place.
- After they fell in love and mated, Izanagi and Izanami ended up only having a few children.
- Raijin is the god of lightning; he is often depicted as a demon who carries a bag of winds over one of his shoulders.
- Ryujin, the god of the oceans and seas is also known as Owatatsumi.
- The eight pieces of Kagutsuchi's flesh that Izanagi chopped up would later become the eight major volcanoes of Japan.
- Kuraokami, the goddess of the rain and snow was born from Izanagi's tears after his wife died.
- Yomi can be literally translated into 'the shadowy land of the dead'.
- The existence of death was directly brought on about by Izanami's pride and spite.
PART 3: Multiple Choice (10 pts)
For each of the questions, choose the most appropriate answer. Each question is worth 2 point, for a total of 10 points.
1. The name of the spear Izanagi and Iznami were given was called the
a) Kotoamatsukami.
b) Takama-ga-hara.
c) Ama-no-Nuboko.
d) Ame-no-mihashira.
2. Ryujin is a ____________ with an ability to transform into a human at will.
a) dragon
b) duck
c) shark
d) sea serpent
3. Yakusa no ikazuchi is another name for the god of
a) wind.
b) lightning.
c) mountains.
d) wells.
4. Izanagi took his comb that was used to tie back his hair and later used it as a
a) weapon of self defense.
b) torch.
c) back-scratcher.
d) piece of wood to light a fire.
5. While Izanagi was escaping the underworld, he took a boulder and
a) ate it to regain his strength and keep running.
b) threw it at Izanami and the shikome to impede them from catching up with him.
c) hid behind it so Izanami and the shikome wouldn't be able to find him.
d) used it to block the entranceway of the world of the dead and world of the living.
PART 4: Essay Question (20 pts)
Answer the following essay question using at least 150 words and in complete sentences. There is no right or wrong answer. Only remember to provide reasoning to your opinions.
Do you think that the outcome of Izanagi's visit to the Underworld was the fault of any of the two deities? Why? Do you think that Izanagi or Izanami could have done something differently in the situation to prevent things from getting so far and resulting in the creation of death?
Extra Credit:
_Choose one of the two extra credit options below. Each is worth 30 points.
Option 1: Writing Project
Explain your opinion to the following questions using at least 200 words and in complete sentences. Make sure to include reasoning to back up your position. There is no right or wrong answer.
Based on your experiences reading other creation myths, how do you think the Japanese version compares? How is the Japanese version similar with other myths you've read? How is it different? What do you think that says about cultures and society in general?
Option 2: Art Project
Illustrate or create one of the scenes from either the Kuniumi, the Kamiumi, or Izanagi's visit to the Underworld. Be creative and remember, all artwork must be your original work. Make sure to upload you image to a image-hosting site and then send the link! Attachments will not be opened.
Option 1: Writing Project
Explain your opinion to the following questions using at least 200 words and in complete sentences. Make sure to include reasoning to back up your position. There is no right or wrong answer.
Based on your experiences reading other creation myths, how do you think the Japanese version compares? How is the Japanese version similar with other myths you've read? How is it different? What do you think that says about cultures and society in general?
Option 2: Art Project
Illustrate or create one of the scenes from either the Kuniumi, the Kamiumi, or Izanagi's visit to the Underworld. Be creative and remember, all artwork must be your original work. Make sure to upload you image to a image-hosting site and then send the link! Attachments will not be opened.
