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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. What biblical character is similar to Atrahasis?
(a) Solomon.
(b) Abel.
(c) Noah.
(d) Cain.

3. What facet of mankind annoys Ellil to the point where he nearly casts a plague upon them?
(a) Their disrespect.
(b) Their questions.
(c) Their smells.
(d) Their noise.

4. What purpose does the Sigla and Abbreviations section serve for this book?
(a) It describes, in-depth, characteristics of the text.
(b) It gives historical background to the story.
(c) It summarizes the work as a whole.
(d) It gives a time period in which these stories supposedly occurred.

5. What is the station of the god or goddess who creates man?
(a) The hearth-goddess.
(b) The womb-goddess.
(c) The earth-goddess.
(d) The heart-goddess.

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

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

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

9. In what modern country can the ancient civilization of these myths be found?
(a) Iran.
(b) Syria.
(c) Iraq.
(d) Afghanistan.

10. How does Ishtar being trapped in Kuranugi affect earth?
(a) All sexual activity is stopped.
(b) The seas turn red.
(c) The people begin to war against each other.
(d) The vegetation begins to die.

11. How much of Gilgamesh is considered to be the mortal part?
(a) One fifth.
(b) One third.
(c) One fourth.
(d) One half.

12. What do Anu and Ellil agree to do for the other gods?
(a) Allow them to switch vocations.
(b) Share their power.
(c) Allow them to marry.
(d) Lighten their workload.

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

14. How many myths are contained in this book?
(a) Five.
(b) Twenty.
(c) Twelve.
(d) Ten.

15. When sent from the Underworld, why is Namtar unable to locate Nergal?
(a) Nergal is dead.
(b) Namtar is sent to look for him in the wrong places.
(c) Namtar has been blinded.
(d) Nergal has been disguised.

Short Answer Questions

1. What tool is used within the introductions to help the reader understand the time line of these stories?

2. What mercy does Ea grant to Gilgamesh in response to the man's prayers?

3. How does Ellil first punish mankind in the story of Atrahasis?

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

5. Who tells Atrahasis to build a boat in anticipation of Ellil flooding the world?

(see the answer keys)

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