Introduction to Mythology Answers

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

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

Read the passage from "The Beginnings of the Maasai.”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 is the best summary of the beginning of "The Beginnings of the Maasai”?

Read the summary of "The Beginnings of the Maasai.”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.

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Read the passage from "The Beginnings of the Maasai.”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.

Read the passage from "The Beginnings of the Maasai.”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.

Read the passage from "The Beginnings of the Maasai.”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.

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