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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

3. How does Ereshkigal avenge herself upon Ishtar?
(a) Namtar casts sixty diseases on Ishtar.
(b) Namtar removes Ishtar's divine rights.
(c) Namtar tricks Ishtar into marrying a beast.
(d) She traps Ishtar in an icy lake.

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

5. In what color is Dumuzi clad when he descends to Kurnugi?
(a) Black.
(b) Red.
(c) Blue.
(d) White.

6. In the Babylonian version of Gilgamesh's story, what incites the battle between Gilgamesh and Enkidu?
(a) Enkidu kills Gilgamesh's mistress.
(b) Enkidu did not bow to Gilgamesh.
(c) Gilgamesh attempts to kill Shamkat.
(d) Gilgamesh tries to seduce Shamkat.

7. What is unique about the plant Gilgamesh retrieves from the Apsu?
(a) It is able to feed a small town for three months.
(b) It grants the finder a wish.
(c) It is the only one of its kind in the world.
(d) It grants immortality.

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

9. What section of the book is the table of contents for the book's figures?
(a) The List of Figures.
(b) The Abbreviations.
(c) The Prefaces.
(d) The Sigla.

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

11. What mercy does Ea grant to Gilgamesh in response to the man's prayers?
(a) He allows Enkidu to return from the underworld.
(b) He allows Enkidu to bid Gilgamesh a final farewell.
(c) He allows Gilgamesh to marry.
(d) He allows Gilgamesh to become immortal.

12. 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 that the Mesopotamian myths came first.
(c) It allows the reader to see the differences in the relationship between man and god.
(d) It allows the reader to easier relate to the myths.

13. What gesture does Ninsun extend before Gilgamesh and Enkidu go to stop Humbaba?
(a) She asks Gilgamesh and Enkidu to pray with her.
(b) She disowns Gilgamesh so that he will carry no guilt of abandonment with him on his journey.
(c) She blesses Enkidu.
(d) She adopts Enkidu as another son.

14. On their journey to the Pine Forest, what plagues Gilgamesh?
(a) Demons.
(b) Illness.
(c) Locusts.
(d) Terrible dreams.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is Namtar?

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

3. Who is Nergal's father?

4. How many myths are contained in this book?

5. How does Ishtar being trapped in Kuranugi affect earth?

(see the answer keys)

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