Question

apsu, the god of fresh water, and tiamat, the goddess of salt water, bore a son named lahmu and a daughter named lahamu. these siblings bore anshar and kishar. anshar was the sky god. kishar was the earth goddess. with each successive generation, apsu and tiamats offspring became more wild and unruly, yet more powerful and perfect.
—enuma elish, early babylonian myth
what are clues that this passage comes from the beginning of the myth? check all that apply.
□ it introduces characters.
□ it shows how characters overcome obstacles.
□ it tells of the start of a conflict.
□ it resolves a conflict.
□ it describes the setting.

Explanation:

1. It introduces characters: The passage lists foundational deities (Apsu, Tiamat, Lahmu, Lahamu, Anshar, Kishar) and their roles, which is typical of a myth's opening to establish its cast.
2. It tells of the start of a conflict: The line stating the offspring became "wild and unruly" sets up the central tension that drives the rest of the Enuma Elish.
3. It describes the setting: By defining Apsu (fresh water) and Tiamat (salt water) as the original beings, it establishes the primordial cosmic setting of the myth.

The other options are incorrect: the passage does not show characters overcoming obstacles, nor does it resolve a conflict (these happen later in the myth).

Answer:

• It introduces characters.
• It tells of the start of a conflict.
• It describes the setting.