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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. What do the eight winds do to Humbaba?

2. How does Gilgamesh say that Enkidu's paralysis will end?

3. Who helps Enkidu and Gilgamesh defeat Humbaba?

4. How many layers of armor has Humbaba put on when Gilgamesh and Enkidu arrive at the gate to the forest?

5. What does Enkidu tell Gilgamesh is guarding the Cedar Forest?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the battle between Enkidu and Gilgamesh.

2. Discuss why Enkidu is angered by news of the celebration in Uruk.

3. Why do the people of Uruk celebrate the axe in Gilgamesh's dream?

4. Describe Ekidnu's character.

5. Describe the only available way to cross to Utnapishtim.

6. Why is it significant that Gilgamesh cannot stay awake to pass the test Utnapishtim sets before him?

7. Describe Gilgamesh's answer to Siduri about why his appearance is so rough.

8. Describe the garden which greets Gilgamesh once he journeys through the darkness of the mountain pass.

9. Describe Gilgamesh's actions following the beheading of Humbaba.

10. Describe the weapons Gilgamesh and Enkidu arm themselves with to fight Humbaba.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Enlil is said to be the god who appointed Humbaba protector of the cedar forest. In Tablet, 7 Enlil is the god who announces that Enkidu shall die for his part in the killing of Humbaba, the bull of heaven and cutting down the cedar forest. Knowing that Enlil wanted the forest protected why do you think he chooses Enkidu over Gilgamesh as the one to die? Do you think that Enkidu's previous knowledge of Humbaba and the forest plays a role in Enlil's decision? Does Enlil count Gilgamesh innocent because he did not originally know the story of Humbaba and the cedar forest?

Essay Topic 2

In Tablet 3, Gilgamesh talks about the fleetness of man's life. In Tablet 7, Enkidu laments that he is dying a disgraceful death instead of on the battlefield. The importance of a man's deeds, how he dies, and the way he is remembered are significant themes to the Epic and other heroic tales. Discuss this theme in relation to Gilgamesh. How do his rash deeds lead to a heroic life and deeds remembered? How do Gilgamesh's actions affect Enkidu's life so that he must die a disgraceful death? Does one man have to sacrifice others in order to gain notoriety for himself?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Tablet 5, Column 4, Line 6 which reads, "His tears [gushed forth] in streams." To whom does the line refer? Shamash was speaking in the lines just prior to this line. Gilgamesh is speaking in Line 7. There is no clear indication who is crying or why. Gilgamesh may be crying tears of joy because Humbaba has been defeated. Enkidu may be crying for no apparent reason. Humbaba, the demon, may even be crying because he has been defeated. Discuss the line and who you think could be the party responsible for crying.

(see the answer keys)

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