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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

3. Who do the myths revolve around?
(a) The gods of Mesopotamia.
(b) The gods of China.
(c) The gods of Rome.
(d) The gods of Greece.

4. 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 that she will drop her vendetta.
(c) She promises that Nergal may force Namtar to apologize.
(d) She promises to marry him.

5. About what does Ea question Nergal upon the arrival of Namtar?
(a) Nergal spat on Namtar upon his arrival.
(b) Nergal slapped Namtar in the face.
(c) Nergal refused to look Namtar in the eyes.
(d) Nergal did not bow to Namtar.

6. How many figures are contained within this book?
(a) Two.
(b) Three.
(c) Four.
(d) Five.

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

8. In the story of Ereshkigal, why does Kakka tell the queen of the Underworld to send a messenger up to the world?
(a) They wish to send more help to the Underworld.
(b) They wish to to replace her messenger.
(c) They wish to assassinate the queen.
(d) They wish send some of their feast to her.

9. How long do Nergal and Ereshkigal make love?
(a) Four days.
(b) Three days.
(c) Six days.
(d) Five days.

10. What does Atrahasis bring onto his boat besides people?
(a) The Sebitti.
(b) Rocks for the gods.
(c) The altar from Ellil's temple.
(d) Animals.

11. What offer does Gilgamesh refuse from Ishtar?
(a) Divinity.
(b) Immortality.
(c) Marriage.
(d) Patronage.

12. What is Ishtar's relationship to Ereshkigal?
(a) Lovers.
(b) Mother and daughter.
(c) Cousins.
(d) Sisters.

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

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

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

Short Answer Questions

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

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

3. How does Ereshkigal avenge herself upon Ishtar?

4. When Nergal travels to the Underworld, to what story is the description of his descent similar?

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

(see the answer keys)

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