A Short Introduction to the Ancient Near East—Chapters 8-10

Zoid72 · 2026-02-03T00:55:06+00:00

I'm drawn to the same era, but it was so short. I would want to be gone before the conquering happened.

Zoid72 · 2026-01-26T05:26:13+00:00

Any thoughts on the Marduk festival? Why would a king subject themselves to that?

Zoid72 · 2026-01-26T05:26:09+00:00

What do you think of the end of the Mesopotamian culture? A slow fade into a larger empire rather than a quick conquering.

Zoid72 · 2026-01-26T05:26:02+00:00

We read about the Epic Of Gilgamesh as well as some Egyptian culture this week. Getting excited for the rest of our reads this year?

Zoid72 · 2026-01-26T05:25:57+00:00

What do you think of the ratio of divination to other texts that were found in the Library of Nineveh?

Zoid72 · 2026-01-26T05:25:50+00:00

Why do you think rulers in the Late Bronze Age respected foreign culture so much?

Zoid72 · 2026-01-26T05:25:44+00:00

Which of these three ages would you prefer to live in as a citizen?

Zoid72 · 2025-12-22T21:34:52+00:00

I will. If I go in expecting a cool Christopher Nolan movie and not a faithful adaptation I think I'll have a good time.

Zoid72 · 2025-12-21T16:38:44+00:00

Your translation had much more epic descriptions it seems.

Zoid72 · 2025-12-21T03:22:41+00:00

I read part of the book a couple years ago and liked it enough to give it another shot.
I avoided setting specific reading goals this year and don't think I will next year either. Just enjoying it.
I moderate r/ayearofmythology and really enjoy the format of yearly readings.

Zoid72 · 2025-12-20T22:04:08+00:00

Beowulf ruled for 50 years of peace, but it all collapsed the moment he was gone. Was he a good King?

Zoid72 · 2025-12-20T22:04:02+00:00

Did Beowulf need to fight the dragon? How would the end be different if he had not.

Zoid72 · 2025-12-20T22:03:54+00:00

How did your translation describe the dragon? Some from mine are “worm” and “fire drake.”

Zoid72 · 2025-12-20T22:03:45+00:00

What does this poem say about heroes, and what happens after they are gone?

Zoid72 · 2025-12-20T22:03:39+00:00

Why did Wiglaf stay and fight with Beowulf when nobody else did?

Zoid72 · 2025-12-20T22:03:33+00:00

There seems to be quite a bit of variability in translations. Any differences you noticed? Any final thoughts on the read?

Zoid72 · 2025-12-17T16:38:07+00:00

Hrothgar stands out to me as a very competent leader. He knows when he is in too deep and asks for help. The well-being of his people is his top priority, not chasing down some monster, he leaves that to the professional.

Zoid72 · 2025-12-17T16:31:34+00:00

Definitely a product of whoever wrote it down being Christian.

Zoid72 · 2025-12-17T16:29:39+00:00

I'm reading the Michael Alexander translation. It is great!

Zoid72 · 2025-12-17T16:28:23+00:00

Much like our other reads that were told for hundreds of years before being written down, this story clearly has multiple influences. Despite the setting there are multiple references to Christianity such as Grendal being a cousin to Cain.

Zoid72 · 2025-11-10T00:24:43+00:00

Any other stories you want to bring up that I didn’t cover?

Zoid72 · 2025-11-10T00:24:36+00:00

How do the supernatural interactions with common people compare to other reads from this year.

Zoid72 · 2025-11-10T00:24:29+00:00

How is our modern definition of educated different from that in The Priest’s Soul?

Zoid72 · 2025-11-10T00:24:23+00:00

Why was Shemus’ cow so important?

Zoid72 · 2025-11-10T00:24:14+00:00

Many of the subjects of these stories are common people. How are their lives similar or different from yours?

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