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Study Guide: The Biblical Figure of Cain: Narrative and Interpretations

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The Biblical Figure of Cain: Narrative and Interpretations Study Guide

The Genesis Account

Cain is identified in the Book of Genesis as the firstborn son of Adam and Eve.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Book of Genesis (4:1) states that Adam and Eve 'bare Cain,' indicating he was their firstborn son.

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Cain's occupation was that of a shepherd, and he offered the firstborn of his flock to God.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Book of Genesis identifies Cain as a tiller of the soil (farmer) and states he offered fruits of the ground, whereas Abel was a shepherd who offered the firstborn of his flock.

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The primary reason Cain killed Abel was God's rejection of Cain's offering in favor of Abel's.

Answer: True

Explanation: The narrative in Genesis indicates that Cain's jealousy and anger, stemming from God's acceptance of Abel's offering and rejection of his own, was the direct catalyst for the murder.

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As punishment for murdering Abel, God cursed Cain to become a successful farmer in the land.

Answer: False

Explanation: God cursed Cain to be banished from the land and to be a 'fugitive and wanderer.' The earth was cursed, implying it would not yield its strength to him, thus preventing him from farming successfully.

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Cain holds the unique distinction of being recognized as both the first human born and the first murderer.

Answer: True

Explanation: According to the biblical account in Genesis, Cain is identified as the first human born and subsequently becomes the first recorded murderer.

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Traditional interpretations suggest God rejected Cain's sacrifice because Cain offered only the worst of his harvest.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the exact reason is not explicitly stated, traditional interpretations often suggest that Abel offered the 'firstborn of his flock and their fat portions,' implying the best, whereas Cain did not offer the best of his harvest.

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God warned Cain that his anger was a righteous emotion that would lead to acceptance.

Answer: False

Explanation: God warned Cain that sin was 'crouching at his door' and that he must 'rule over it,' indicating that his anger was a dangerous temptation, not a righteous emotion.

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The 'mark of Cain' was placed upon him by God to ensure his swift vengeance upon those who wronged him.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'mark of Cain' was intended by God to protect him from being avenged by others, serving as a sign of divine protection rather than facilitating vengeance.

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The narrative describes the ground as a passive entity that absorbed Abel's blood without reaction.

Answer: False

Explanation: The biblical text personifies the ground, stating that it 'opens its mouth to receive your brother's blood,' suggesting an active response to the violence.

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Tubal-Cain, a descendant of Cain, is noted for being the first to develop advanced agricultural techniques.

Answer: False

Explanation: Tubal-Cain, a descendant of Cain, is specifically noted in the biblical lineage as an instructor of every artisan in bronze and iron, indicating a connection to metallurgy, not agriculture.

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Cain's lineage is associated with the development of civilization, including music and metallurgy.

Answer: True

Explanation: The biblical account traces Cain's lineage to descendants such as Jabal (father of those who dwell in tents and raise livestock), Jubal (father of musicians), and Tubal-Cain (instructor in metalworking), all contributing to early civilization.

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According to the Book of Genesis, who were Cain's parents?

Answer: Adam and Eve

Explanation: The Book of Genesis explicitly identifies Adam and Eve as the parents of Cain.

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What was Cain's occupation, and what did he offer to God?

Answer: Farmer; offered fruits of the soil

Explanation: Genesis states that Cain was a tiller of the ground and brought an offering of the fruit of the ground unto the LORD.

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What emotion primarily drove Cain to kill his brother Abel?

Answer: Envy and anger due to God favoring Abel's offering

Explanation: The biblical narrative points to Cain's envy and anger, resulting from God's favorable reception of Abel's offering while rejecting his own, as the primary motivation for the fratricide.

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What was the nature of Cain's punishment after murdering Abel?

Answer: He was banished from the land and cursed from farming it.

Explanation: God cursed Cain to be banished from the ground, which would no longer yield its strength to him, making him a fugitive and wanderer.

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Which of the following is a significant dual status attributed to Cain in the Genesis narrative?

Answer: The first human born and the first murderer

Explanation: The biblical account establishes Cain as both the first human born and the first individual to commit murder.

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According to traditional interpretations, what might have been a reason for God rejecting Cain's sacrifice?

Answer: Cain did not offer the best of his harvest, unlike Abel.

Explanation: Traditional interpretations suggest that Abel's offering of the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions was superior to Cain's offering of the fruit of the ground, implying a difference in quality or devotion.

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How did God describe the danger of Cain's anger?

Answer: As sin crouching at his door, desiring to consume him.

Explanation: God warned Cain that 'sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it,' characterizing his anger as a dangerous temptation.

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What was the specific purpose of the 'mark of Cain' placed upon him by God?

Answer: To protect him from being avenged by others.

Explanation: The biblical text states that God placed the mark on Cain so that 'whoever found him would not kill him,' indicating its function as a deterrent against retribution.

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Religious and Textual Traditions

The Septuagint's narrative suggests Cain suffered from body tremors as part of his curse.

Answer: True

Explanation: Interpretations of the Septuagint's translation of Genesis 4:12, which includes phrases like 'groaning and shaking upon the earth,' have led to the conclusion that Cain suffered from body tremors.

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In Islamic tradition, Cain is known as Qabil and his story is absent from the Quran.

Answer: False

Explanation: In Islamic tradition, Cain is known as Qabil, and his story, though not always by name, is recounted within the Quran.

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The Quran states that Cain learned how to bury his brother Abel from a crow.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Quranic account describes Cain observing a crow digging a hole to bury its dead companion, which then provided him with the method to bury Abel.

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The New Testament books of 1 John and Jude reference Cain as an example of righteousness.

Answer: False

Explanation: The New Testament books of 1 John and Jude cite Cain as a cautionary example of unrighteousness and wickedness, not righteousness.

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Traditional rabbinical sources suggest Cain married his sister, a concept accepted in some interpretations for over 1,800 years.

Answer: True

Explanation: Various rabbinical traditions and texts, such as the Book of Jubilees, propose that Cain married his sister, a concept that has been part of certain interpretive traditions for centuries.

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Some Jewish traditions propose that Cain was conceived by Adam through normal means.

Answer: False

Explanation: Certain Jewish traditions, including those found in the Talmud and Midrash, suggest that Eve conceived Cain through seduction by Sammael (often identified with the serpent or the devil), rather than through normal means with Adam.

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The Book of Jubilees claims Cain killed Abel using a sword and later died peacefully.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Book of Jubilees states that Cain killed Abel with a stone and that Cain later died when his house collapsed upon him.

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A Talmudic tradition describes Cain growing a horn on his head after murdering Abel.

Answer: True

Explanation: A tradition found in the Talmud suggests that God caused a horn to grow on Cain's head as a physical manifestation of his sin after he murdered Abel.

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In Latter-day Saint theology, Cain is revered as a righteous figure and a model of faith.

Answer: False

Explanation: Latter-day Saint theology typically regards Cain negatively, often identifying him as the 'Son of Perdition' and associated with secret societies and evil.

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Mormon folklore recounts David W. Patten encountering a figure who claimed to be Cain and expressed a desire to destroy souls.

Answer: True

Explanation: Folklore within the Latter-day Saint tradition includes an account of David W. Patten encountering a being who identified himself as Cain and expressed a mission to destroy souls.

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The First Epistle of John attributes Cain's murder of Abel to Abel's righteousness and Cain's evil nature.

Answer: True

Explanation: The First Epistle of John (3:12) explicitly states that Cain murdered Abel because his own deeds were evil and his brother's were righteous.

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Ancient exegetes suggest Cain murdered Abel due to a dispute over the best land to farm.

Answer: False

Explanation: Some ancient exegetes propose that the motive for Cain's murder of Abel involved a dispute over marriage arrangements, specifically concerning which sister each brother was to marry.

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A medieval legend claims Cain was banished to the Sun as eternal punishment.

Answer: False

Explanation: A common medieval legend posits that Cain was banished to the Moon, where he eternally carries a bundle of twigs, rather than the Sun.

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In the New Testament, Cain is cited as a cautionary figure representing unrighteousness.

Answer: True

Explanation: Both the First Epistle of John and the Epistle of Jude reference Cain as an example of unrighteousness and apostasy.

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The 'Protevangelium' interpretation suggests Cain represented the serpent's seed in the primordial conflict.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Protevangelium,' referring to Genesis 3:15, is interpreted by some scholars to foreshadow a conflict between the 'seed of the woman' and the 'seed of the serpent,' with Cain often seen as representing the latter.

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The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church canon states Cain killed Abel out of envy for his farming skills.

Answer: False

Explanation: Within the canon of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, specifically in the book '1 Meqabyan,' Cain's motive for killing Abel is stated as envy over Abel's wife.

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In Mandaean scriptures, Abel is considered an angelic figure associated with salvation.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mandaean scriptures associate Abel with Hibil Ziwa, an angelic figure linked to salvation within their cosmology.

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The 'Protevangelium' refers to the prophecy in Genesis 3:15 concerning the conflict between Cain and Abel.

Answer: True

Explanation: The term 'Protevangelium' is often used to denote the prophecy in Genesis 3:15, which speaks of enmity between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent, a passage sometimes applied to the conflict between Cain and Abel.

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Which ancient text's interpretation suggests Cain suffered from body tremors after his curse?

Answer: The Septuagint

Explanation: Interpretations of the Septuagint's translation of Genesis 4:12 suggest that Cain experienced body tremors as part of his curse.

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In Islamic tradition, what is Cain's name, and where is his story recounted?

Answer: Qabil; in the Quran

Explanation: Within Islamic tradition, Cain is known as Qabil, and his narrative is present in the Quran, although his name is not always explicitly stated.

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How did the Quran describe Cain learning about burying his victim?

Answer: A crow showed him how to bury it.

Explanation: The Quranic account details how Cain observed a crow burying its dead companion, which then provided him with the knowledge to bury his brother Abel.

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Which New Testament books cite Cain as an example of unrighteousness?

Answer: 1 John and Jude

Explanation: The First Epistle of John (3:12) and the Epistle of Jude (1:11) both reference Cain as an example of unrighteousness.

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What alternative traditions exist regarding Cain's parentage?

Answer: Eve conceived him through seduction by Sammael (the devil).

Explanation: Certain Jewish traditions propose that Eve conceived Cain through the influence of Sammael, often identified as the serpent or the devil, rather than solely through Adam.

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According to the Book of Jubilees, what weapon did Cain use to kill Abel, and how did Cain die?

Answer: A stone; his house collapsed on him.

Explanation: The Book of Jubilees specifies that Cain used a stone to kill Abel and later died when his own house collapsed upon him.

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What physical change is described in a Talmudic tradition occurring to Cain after his crime?

Answer: A horn grew on his head.

Explanation: A Talmudic tradition recounts that after murdering Abel, God caused a horn to grow on Cain's head as a mark of his transgression.

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In Latter-day Saint theology, what title is associated with Cain, signifying his role in evil organizations?

Answer: Master Mahan

Explanation: In Latter-day Saint theology, Cain is often associated with the title 'Master Mahan,' signifying his role as the progenitor of secret societies and organized crime.

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What motive involving a dispute over marriage is suggested by ancient exegetes?

Answer: Cain and Abel fought over who would marry Abel's twin sister.

Explanation: Some ancient exegetical traditions propose that Cain and Abel engaged in a dispute over marriage arrangements, specifically concerning which brother would marry Abel's twin sister, Aclima.

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In the context of the 'Protevangelium' (Genesis 3:15), how are Cain and Abel sometimes interpreted?

Answer: Cain represents the serpent's seed, Abel the woman's.

Explanation: The 'Protevangelium' (Genesis 3:15) is interpreted by some to foreshadow a conflict between the 'seed of the woman' and the 'seed of the serpent,' with Cain often seen as embodying the latter and Abel the former.

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What is the medieval legend concerning Cain's eternal punishment?

Answer: He is banished to the Moon carrying a bundle of twigs.

Explanation: A medieval legend describes Cain's eternal punishment as banishment to the Moon, where he is depicted carrying a bundle of twigs.

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Etymology and Early Interpretations

The name 'Cain' is theorized to derive from a Hebrew verb meaning 'to destroy'.

Answer: False

Explanation: A prominent etymological theory connects the name 'Cain' to the Hebrew verb 'kana' (qnh), meaning 'to get' or 'to acquire,' reflecting Eve's statement upon his birth.

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According to the 'Life of Adam and Eve,' Cain was named because he fetched his mother a stone.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Life of Adam and Eve' suggests Cain was named because he fetched his mother a reed ('qaneh' in Hebrew), linking his name to this act.

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Philo, an ancient Jewish philosopher, interpreted Cain's city as a literal structure built for defense.

Answer: False

Explanation: Philo interpreted Cain's act of building a city not as a literal structure but as a symbol of an unrighteous philosophy, deeming a literal city illogical for the third human.

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What is a prominent theory regarding the etymology of the name 'Cain'?

Answer: It relates to the Hebrew verb 'kana' (qnh), meaning 'to get'.

Explanation: A significant etymological theory posits that the name 'Cain' derives from the Hebrew verb 'kana' (qnh), meaning 'to get' or 'to acquire,' aligning with Eve's declaration upon his birth.

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According to the 'Life of Adam and Eve,' why was Cain named?

Answer: Because he fetched his mother a reed ('qaneh').

Explanation: The apocryphal 'Life of Adam and Eve' suggests Cain was named because he procured a reed ('qaneh' in Hebrew) for his mother, linking his name to this action.

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How did the ancient Jewish philosopher Philo interpret Cain's act of building a city?

Answer: As a representation of an unrighteous philosophy.

Explanation: Philo interpreted Cain's construction of a city not as a physical dwelling but as a symbolic representation of an unrighteous philosophical system.

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Literary and Philosophical Engagements

Daniel Quinn interprets the Cain and Abel story as a symbol of the conflict between early agriculturalists and nomadic pastoralists.

Answer: True

Explanation: Daniel Quinn's interpretation posits that the Cain and Abel narrative symbolizes the historical conflict between the emerging agricultural societies (represented by Cain) and the established nomadic pastoralists (represented by Abel).

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Lord Byron's play 'Cain' portrays Cain as a passive figure who regrets his actions immediately.

Answer: False

Explanation: Lord Byron's portrayal of Cain depicts him as a figure rebelling against divine authority due to a sense of injustice, rather than a passive character immediately regretting his actions.

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John Steinbeck's novel 'East of Eden' explores themes related to the Cain and Abel narrative.

Answer: True

Explanation: John Steinbeck's novel 'East of Eden' centrally features the Cain and Abel narrative, using its themes and conflicts to explore moral responsibility and human nature.

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How does Daniel Quinn interpret the symbolic meaning of Cain and Abel?

Answer: Cain represents the first farmer, Abel represents the first hunter.

Explanation: Daniel Quinn interprets Cain as symbolizing the first agriculturalists and Abel as representing the pastoralists, framing their story as a conflict between these modes of existence.

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How does Lord Byron portray Cain in his play 'Cain'?

Answer: As a figure rebelling against divine authority due to a sense of injustice.

Explanation: Lord Byron's 'Cain' presents Cain as a protagonist questioning divine justice and authority, driven by a profound sense of grievance and rebellion.

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Modern Cultural and Media Depictions

In the epic poem 'Beowulf,' Grendel is said to be a descendant of Abel.

Answer: False

Explanation: The epic poem 'Beowulf' explicitly states that the monstrous Grendel and his mother are descendants of Cain, not Abel.

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The phrase 'Cain-coloured beard' refers to a beard of black or brown hair.

Answer: False

Explanation: The phrase 'Cain-coloured beard' traditionally refers to a red or reddish-yellow hair color, historically associated with artistic depictions of Cain.

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In 'Vampire: the Masquerade,' vampires are called 'Cainites' because Cain is identified as the first human.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 'Vampire: the Masquerade,' vampires are called 'Cainites' because the game's lore posits Cain as the first vampire, not simply the first human.

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The 'Mark of Cain' in the TV series 'Supernatural' grants immense strength but also corrupts its bearer.

Answer: True

Explanation: In the TV series 'Supernatural,' the 'Mark of Cain' is depicted as a powerful symbol that bestows immense strength and combat prowess while simultaneously corrupting its bearer.

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In 'The Strange Talent of Luther Strode,' Cain is a minor character who offers guidance to the protagonist.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 'The Strange Talent of Luther Strode,' Cain functions as the primary antagonist, driving the central conflict rather than offering guidance.

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Darren Aronofsky's film 'Mother!' uses characters representing Cain and Abel to explore themes of creation and destruction.

Answer: True

Explanation: Darren Aronofsky's film 'Mother!' employs characters representing Cain and Abel to allegorically explore themes of creation, destruction, and familial conflict.

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The expression 'Cain-coloured beard' is used in Shakespeare's 'Hamlet'.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the expression 'Cain-coloured beard' exists and refers to red hair, its usage is documented in Shakespeare's 'The Merry Wives of Windsor,' not 'Hamlet'.

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The song 'Chapter Four' by Avenged Sevenfold tells the biblical story from Abel's perspective.

Answer: False

Explanation: The song 'Chapter Four' by Avenged Sevenfold narrates the biblical account of Cain and Abel from Cain's perspective, with the title referencing the relevant chapter in Genesis.

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In 'Supernatural,' the 'Mark of Cain' is a symbol that offers protection from all harm.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 'Supernatural,' the 'Mark of Cain' provides immense power and resilience but is also depicted as corrupting its bearer, rather than offering universal protection.

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The reference 'Cain Mons' relates to a Crusader fort in Israel, linked to a legend about Cain's death.

Answer: True

Explanation: 'Cain Mons' is associated with a Crusader fort in Israel and a legend suggesting it was the site where Cain met his end, possibly a corruption of 'Caymont'.

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In the Old English poem 'Beowulf,' who are stated to be descendants of Cain?

Answer: Grendel and his mother

Explanation: The epic poem 'Beowulf' identifies the monstrous figures Grendel and his mother as descendants of Cain.

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The phrase 'Cain-coloured beard' traditionally refers to what hair color?

Answer: Red or yellow

Explanation: The idiom 'Cain-coloured beard' traditionally denotes a red or reddish-yellow hair color, historically linked to artistic depictions of Cain.

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In the role-playing game 'Vampire: the Masquerade,' why are vampires referred to as 'Cainites'?

Answer: Because the game lore identifies Cain as the first vampire.

Explanation: In the lore of 'Vampire: the Masquerade,' vampires are designated 'Cainites' as Cain is considered the progenitor of all vampires.

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How is the 'Mark of Cain' depicted in the TV series 'Supernatural'?

Answer: A supernatural brand granting power but causing corruption.

Explanation: The 'Mark of Cain' in 'Supernatural' is portrayed as a supernatural brand that confers great power and resilience but also leads to moral corruption and increased aggression.

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