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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When Nergal travels to the Underworld, to what story is the description of his descent similar?
(a) Ishtar's descent.
(b) Gilgamesh's search for immortality.
(c) Atrahasis and the flood.
(d) Enkidu's escape from the Underworld.

2. Why is the author not entirely certain that Atrahasis sent an offering of peace to the gods to stop the flooding?
(a) Some of the text is missing.
(b) There are too many versions of this story to know for sure.
(c) It is unclear if Atrahasis sent a peace offering or a warning.
(d) Atrahasis denies doing it in the text.

3. What does Ea advise Nergal to refrain from while in the Underworld?
(a) Sleeping with Ereshkigal.
(b) Singing.
(c) Looking Ereshkigal in the eyes.
(d) Mentioning the names of any other gods.

4. What tool, in this book, explains how these myths came about?
(a) The Abbreviations.
(b) The Sigla.
(c) The Figures.
(d) The Prefaces.

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

6. What does Gilgamesh use to cross over the deadly water past the mountains and darkness?
(a) Three hundred wooden poles.
(b) A giant leaf.
(c) A boat made from rocks.
(d) He simply swims it without taking a single breath the entire time.

7. What is Kurnugi?
(a) The collective temples of the gods.
(b) The gods' home.
(c) The sea.
(d) The Underworld.

8. In what tradition where these myths originally related?
(a) Dance.
(b) Oral tradition.
(c) Murals within the temples.
(d) Song.

9. What Greek goddess is heavily connected to Ishtar?
(a) Artemis.
(b) Aphrodite.
(c) Persephone.
(d) Athena.

10. Who tells Atrahasis to build a boat in anticipation of Ellil flooding the world?
(a) Ellili.
(b) Enki.
(c) Ea.
(d) Tiamat.

11. What is the result of Enkidu and Gilgamesh's brutal battle?
(a) They become enemies.
(b) Gilgamesh is felled by Enkidu and pledges his servitude to him.
(c) Enkidu falls and becomes Gilgamesh's servant.
(d) They become friends.

12. What tool is used within the introductions to help the reader understand the time line of these stories?
(a) The Sigla.
(b) The Chronological Chart.
(c) The Abbreviations.
(d) The Flow Chart.

13. What threat does Ishtar use when addressing the gatekeeper of the Underworld?
(a) She will kill Namtar.
(b) She will not allow another soul to pass through the gates.
(c) She will make the dead rise to prey on the living.
(d) She will force Ereshkigal to leave her throne.

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What reasons does Enki give for instructing Antrahasis to build his boat?

2. How does Ereshkigal avenge herself upon Ishtar?

3. What gesture does Ninsun extend before Gilgamesh and Enkidu go to stop Humbaba?

4. What is Ishtar's relationship to Ereshkigal?

5. How does Shamash help Gilgamesh in his battle against Humbaba?

(see the answer keys)

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