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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Nergal and Ereshkigal, Babylonian Version and Amarna Version.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Good-Looks save Ishtar from Kurnugi?
(a) He pours the waters of life on her.
(b) He loosens her bonds.
(c) He kisses her.
(d) He exchanges himself to Ereshkigal for Ishtar.

2. What Phoenician god might be based on the legend of Ereshkigal and Nergal?
(a) Tanit.
(b) Melqart.
(c) Adonis.
(d) Baal.

3. For what reason, in the story of Atrahasis, do the gods create man?
(a) The gods were bored.
(b) They were hoping to run an experiment.
(c) They are tired of doing all of the work on their own.
(d) The gods were lonely without anyone to lead.

4. What reason is given for parts of these myths being missing?
(a) The tablets were partially destroyed.
(b) Some of the paintings were missing.
(c) The tapestries had been partially burned.
(d) The pottery had been shattered.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. In the Amarna version of Nergal and Ereshkigal's story, what does Ea send to the Underworld with Nergal?

2. What reason does the author give for noting similarities between these myths and other, well-known stories?

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

4. In what color is Dumuzi clad when he descends to Kurnugi?

5. What is Ishtar's relationship to Ereshkigal?

(see the answer key)

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