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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Adapa and Etana.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Ereshkigal avenge herself upon Ishtar?
(a) Namtar removes Ishtar's divine rights.
(b) Namtar casts sixty diseases on Ishtar.
(c) She traps Ishtar in an icy lake.
(d) Namtar tricks Ishtar into marrying a beast.

2. How many gates must one pass through to reach Kurnugi?
(a) Ten.
(b) Seven.
(c) Five.
(d) Six.

3. When Namtar is sent from the Underworld to argue with the gods for Nergal's return, what does Ereshkigal reveal?
(a) She is dying.
(b) She has been planning on poisoning Nergal for his obstinance.
(c) She is pregnant.
(d) She was raped.

4. How must Nergal atone for his offense towards Namtar?
(a) Sacrifice several animals to Namtar.
(b) Pray for forgiveness.
(c) Chop down trees and make a chair.
(d) Walk to the underworld over gravel and allow his blood to cleanse his offense.

5. What tree grows by Etana's fort?
(a) Birch.
(b) Maple.
(c) Willow.
(d) Poplar.

Short Answer Questions

1. What theory does the author suggest as the origin for the tale of Atrahasis?

2. What reason does Ut-napishtium (or Atrahasis) give Gilgamesh for why only he is allowed to be immortal?

3. Why is Nergal sent to the Underworld?

4. In the story of Ereshkigal, why does Kakka tell the queen of the Underworld to send a messenger up to the world?

5. What Phoenician god might be based on the legend of Ereshkigal and Nergal?

(see the answer key)

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