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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Ninurta return from the mountains after killing Anzu?

2. How does Ishum halt Erra's rampage on the world?

3. What duty is assigned to Anzu by Ellil?

4. Which does not describe Marduk?

5. How many names are given to Marduk by Anshar, Lahmu, and Lahamu?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Mother Hubur create for Tiamat and why?

2. Describe the lineage of the gods as depicted in the Epic of Creation.

3. How does Erra trick Marduk into leaving his palace?

4. Who does Anu initially choose to battle Anzu and why do the warriors refuse?

5. Why does Erra wage a battle against the world?

6. Of what is the Theology of Dunnu symbolic?

7. What is the fate of the Sea and the Cattle God?

8. What is the given reason and the true reason for the Sebitti's desire to go to war?

9. What are the differences between the standard and Old Babylonian versions of the story of Anzu?

10. After Erra ceases his destruction against mankind and the gods, how does Ishum help repair the damage?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the story of Etana, the eagle betrays the snake by eating its young, leading to the eagle's violent punishment. Discuss the roles of the eagle and the snake. What are some of the natural connotations, literary and otherwise, dredged up when thinking of snakes? What about eagles? How does this role reversal shift the reader's preconceptions of these animals? How does this speak to the diversity of Mesopotamia? What are the underlying themes of the eagle and the snake's story?

Essay Topic 2

What role does sex play in both Mesopotamian myths and culture? How do the gods react towards sex? How does mankind? In what stories is sex an important topic? How is the deity in charge of sexuality portrayed? Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the stories from Mesopotamia, there are several myths regarding the rise of a hero. Discuss the "hero-myth" in the following format:

Part 1) Defining a hero by Mesopotamian standards.

Part 2) Atrahasis.

Part 3) Marduk.

Part 4) Ninurta.

(see the answer keys)

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