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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. After seven years of famine, to what does mankind resort?
(a) Prostitution.
(b) Cannibalism.
(c) Warring.
(d) Eating dirt.

3. What reason does the author give for noting similarities between these myths and other, well-known stories?
(a) It allows the reader to see the progression of gender relations through stories.
(b) It allows the reader to see the differences in the relationship between man and god.
(c) It allows the reader to see that the Mesopotamian myths came first.
(d) It allows the reader to easier relate to the myths.

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

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

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

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

8. What unique feature does this book use to help the reader understand these stories?
(a) It relates these stories to other, well-known tales.
(b) It is fully annotated so that further research is accessible.
(c) It offers a version of the stories in their original language.
(d) It offers several original pictures from the time period.

9. What does Belili offer in order to help her brother, Dumuzi?
(a) Belili will take Dumuzi's place in the Underworld one month a year.
(b) Belili will take Dumuzi's place in the Underworld for half the year.
(c) Belili will take over Dumuzi's duties above the Underworld.
(d) Belili will assist Ereshkigal so that the queen may occasionally leave the Underworld.

10. 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 send some of their feast to her.
(b) They wish to send more help to the Underworld.
(c) They wish to assassinate the queen.
(d) They wish to to replace her messenger.

11. When Nergal escapes from the Underworld, what do the gods demand be done to him?
(a) He is to be tortured for his defiance.
(b) He is to be stripped of his powers.
(c) He is to be sent back.
(d) He is to be disfigured.

12. What goddess is said to have been the mother of Gilgamesh?
(a) Lady Wild Cow.
(b) Ishtar.
(c) Belet-ili.
(d) Ereshkigal.

13. For what errand does Ea create the man called Good-Looks?
(a) Good-Looks is to distract Ereshkigal so that Ishtar may escape.
(b) Good-Looks is to torment Ishtar.
(c) Good-Looks is to fetch waters of life from Ereshkigal.
(d) Good-Looks is to reprimand Ereshkigal and Ishtar for their feud.

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. In what tradition where these myths originally related?

2. On what medium where these myths originally found?

3. In what modern country can the ancient civilization of these myths be found?

4. What threat does Ishtar use when addressing the gatekeeper of the Underworld?

5. On what condition does Ereshkigal allow Ishtar entrance to Kurnugi?

(see the answer keys)

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