Question

Identify specific hero qualities from the different characters of the Enuma Elish and the Egyptian myth. Does Horus, Isis, or Osiris have anything in common with Marduk?   To what extent does the hero illustrate the acceptable societal standards and cultural ethos for each culture?
How do the art (statues, vessels, etc.) and architecture (the pyramids, the ziggurats, etc.) support the standards and values that the hero portrays?

Answer 1

Hero qualities in Enuma Elish

Marduk - He demonstrated power and victory against the ones who plotted to kill him.

Abzu - He demonstrated supremacy of his throne. His concern of his parents was the reason for the war.

Tiamat - she demonstrated motherly love, however her actions to save his children and grandchildren in a way triggered the war. Modern concept of remarriage was boldly done by her and she also took efforts to help her new husband ascend the throne.

EA- He is the creator. Like a hero, he faced things directly but he hurried in his actions.

Common plot in Enuma elish and Osiris myth-

Both the stories revolve around Gods, killing of the King by his own family and a competition for the throne.

Hero and culture

Modern heroes are different from the heroes in ancient mythology. In ancient books, their defense and existence was utmost importance for them, let it be at the cost of anything. It portrays qualities of bold, fearless and supremacy. These qualities are in line with the Egyptian culture.

Ancient Egypt has undoubtedly great architecture associated with religion. Temples, tombs and pyramids, all prove the greatness of the heroes of their time.

As per Romer:75,1982

"Egyptians made their complex hierarchy of Gods, and ther strange religion. In the service of that religion they made their architecture".

Egyptian theology, with its Pharaohs and strange Gods has an important belief that resurrection depended on body's preservation. This belief influenced the architectural design of the the tombs.