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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When Nergal returns to the Underworld on his own, what happens when he finds Ereshkigal?
(a) They remain in bed for seven days.
(b) Ereshkigal orders for him to be tortured.
(c) He spits in Namtar's face.
(d) Ereshkigal strikes him in the face.

2. Who is Nergal's father?
(a) Ea.
(b) Dumuzi.
(c) Ellil.
(d) Namtar.

3. What ancient text is not listed as having being inspired by these myths?
(a) The Old Testament.
(b) Arabian Nights.
(c) The Qur'an.
(d) The Illiad.

4. After the death of Enkidu, for what does a grieving Gilgamesh seek?
(a) Immortality.
(b) A goddess's support.
(c) Enkidu's family.
(d) Marriage to Ishtar.

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

6. Who is Ereshkigal?
(a) Queen of the Underworld.
(b) Queen of the mountains.
(c) Goddess of the earth.
(d) Goddess of the sun.

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

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

9. Why is Nergal sent to the Underworld?
(a) He is to sacrifice himself to make amends for offending Namtar.
(b) He is to be whipped by Namtar.
(c) He is to send a message to Namtar from the gods about respect.
(d) He is to judge the activities of the gods.

10. How does Ereshkigal keep Nergal from killing her in the Amarna version?
(a) She promises that she will step down as queen of the Underworld.
(b) She promises to marry him.
(c) She promises that Nergal may force Namtar to apologize.
(d) She promises that she will drop her vendetta.

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

12. Which goddess creates Enkidu in order to bring down Gilgamesh's arrogance?
(a) Aruru.
(b) Ereshkigal.
(c) Ishtar.
(d) Tiamat.

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

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

15. What reasons does Enki give for instructing Antrahasis to build his boat?
(a) He was asked to intervene by Belet-ili.
(b) He wanted to be sure that there would still be life on earth.
(c) He wanted to be sure that the new race of humans would worship him.
(d) He wanted to humiliate Ellil.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does the author of this book believe it is necessary to understand where the stories of several different cultures originated?

2. On what medium where these myths originally found?

3. What does Atrahasis bring onto his boat besides people?

4. In the story of Ishtar, what version does the author use?

5. In the Armana version, why does Ereshkigal send Namtar to the gods after the banquet?

(see the answer keys)

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