NEAREAST 240 Lecture 4: Nature and Basic Categories of Gods
5 Dec 2016
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They can recognize each other & humans can recognize through names. All gods have a human and animal form they are known by. Most people were illiterate and rely on physical characteristics to read/understand. Projection of god"s qualities and powers, etc. Gods" bodies referred to as having flesh like humans. Flesh is vulnerable to injury and disease, but very regenerative(flexible resilience) Flesh usually described as made from precious materials. Often have flesh colors not seen in the human world. Generally, goddess/female yellowish gold (yellow is sign of protection) Vs. flesh of typical people brownish red. Very tall (shrink to interact with humans) Clothed like humans in fabric and jewelry. Child gods & those associated with sex & fertility naked. Animal forms each god associated with at least one. Bodily fluids(spit, tears, blood, sweat, semen[very potent]) all have magical significance. Food, drink, & special things humans can"t eat (precious stones, etc. ) Each god has certain foods they don"t like/makes them sick.
