1. The religions and cultures mostly saw the afterlife as a negative place: dark and cold, a poor, joyless, shadowy reflection of this life. You might assume that this would create a negative attitude towards death, as something to be feared and avoided. Pick at least one example of a myth or religious belief that presents a positive attitude towards death -- something to be accepted or even looked forward to. Briefly explain how this myth or belief reinterpreted or contradicted this generally negative portrayal of the afterlife.

2. In ancient religions and cultures, exceptional individuals (heroes, warriors, rulers) might go to a very different afterlife than the regular person. As we discussed, this differential treatment served a particular function or functions in society -- it reinforced particular rules, attitudes, or social structures. Pick an example of a special afterlife for special or elite people from one of the ancient religions we've studied, and briefly explain the social or political function you think it served in that society.