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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In the story of Ereshkigal, why does Kakka tell the queen of the Underworld to send a messenger up to the world?
(a) They wish to assassinate the queen.
(b) They wish to to replace her messenger.
(c) They wish to send more help to the Underworld.
(d) They wish send some of their feast to her.

2. What reason is given for the myths of this book being the basis of stories for other cultures?
(a) Mesopotamia created one of the first traveling libraries.
(b) The people of Mesopotamia traveled the world.
(c) The people of Mesopotamia often sent scrolls to churches of other faiths.
(d) People of other countries frequently travelled through Mesopotamia.

3. How does Ellil first punish mankind in the story of Atrahasis?
(a) He orders a drought.
(b) He unleashes the Sebitti.
(c) He sends a flood.
(d) He ignores their prayers for children.

4. What is Ishtar's relationship to Ereshkigal?
(a) Cousins.
(b) Sisters.
(c) Mother and daughter.
(d) Lovers.

5. Of what is Ishtar's father the god?
(a) The sun.
(b) The seas.
(c) The moon.
(d) The earth.

6. What is the result of Enkidu and Gilgamesh's brutal battle?
(a) Gilgamesh is felled by Enkidu and pledges his servitude to him.
(b) They become friends.
(c) Enkidu falls and becomes Gilgamesh's servant.
(d) They become enemies.

7. After Gilgamesh passes through the mountains, what creatures does Gilgamesh mistakenly kill?
(a) The stone creatures.
(b) The Gorgons.
(c) The Sebitti.
(d) The taklimtu.

8. In the Babylonian version of Gilgamesh's story, what incites the battle between Gilgamesh and Enkidu?
(a) Gilgamesh attempts to kill Shamkat.
(b) Gilgamesh tries to seduce Shamkat.
(c) Enkidu kills Gilgamesh's mistress.
(d) Enkidu did not bow to Gilgamesh.

9. What theory does the author suggest as the origin for the tale of Atrahasis?
(a) It explains why New Years is a celebration all around the world.
(b) It is an explanation for why the priestesses of Shamash were never allowed to have children.
(c) It explains how the rivers Tigris and Euphrates were formed.
(d) It explains why water is so revered in the Mesopotamian culture.

10. What Greek goddess is heavily connected to Ishtar?
(a) Artemis.
(b) Aphrodite.
(c) Athena.
(d) Persephone.

11. How long do Nergal and Ereshkigal make love?
(a) Five days.
(b) Three days.
(c) Six days.
(d) Four days.

12. In what tradition where these myths originally related?
(a) Dance.
(b) Oral tradition.
(c) Murals within the temples.
(d) Song.

13. Why is Nergal sent to the Underworld?
(a) He is to be whipped by Namtar.
(b) He is to send a message to Namtar from the gods about respect.
(c) He is to sacrifice himself to make amends for offending Namtar.
(d) He is to judge the activities of the gods.

14. How long does Enki believe the flood will last?
(a) Three years.
(b) Forty days and forty nights.
(c) Three weeks.
(d) Seven days.

15. Why is the author not entirely certain that Atrahasis sent an offering of peace to the gods to stop the flooding?
(a) It is unclear if Atrahasis sent a peace offering or a warning.
(b) Some of the text is missing.
(c) There are too many versions of this story to know for sure.
(d) Atrahasis denies doing it in the text.

Short Answer Questions

1. What happens to the plant Gilgamesh took from the Apsu?

2. When sent from the Underworld, why is Namtar unable to locate Nergal?

3. What purpose does the Sigla and Abbreviations section serve for this book?

4. How must Nergal atone for his offense towards Namtar?

5. How does Ut-napishtium prove to Gilgamesh how many days the latter man slept?

(see the answer keys)

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