View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In the Armana version, what does Nergal do to Namtar when he reaches the final door to the Underworld?
(a) Namtar is trapped in the forecourt.
(b) Namtar is trapped in an icy pond.
(c) Namtar is beheaded.
(d) Namtar is slapped in the face.

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

3. 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.

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

5. How does Ellil first punish mankind in the story of Atrahasis?
(a) He ignores their prayers for children.
(b) He orders a drought.
(c) He sends a flood.
(d) He unleashes the Sebitti.

Short Answer Questions

1. What ritual takes place during Dumuzi's time in Kurnugi?

2. On what medium where these myths originally found?

3. What section of the book is the table of contents for the book's figures?

4. In terms of population control, what do the gods agree to do with women?

5. What ancient text is not listed as having being inspired by these myths?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Atrahasis initially save the world from ruin before the flood?

2. In the Mesopotamian myths discussed in this book, what early beliefs are depicted?

3. What are some ways that Ellil punished mankind before the flood?

4. According to the story of Atrahasis, how and why was man created?

5. Describe Ishtar's journey to see her sister, Ereshkigal, in the Underworld.

6. In the longer version of this story, what happens after Namtar fails to find Nergal outside of the Underworld?

7. What must Namtar avoid doing while in the Underworld serving out his punishment?

8. Why is Namtar sent above ground to the feast in the story of Nergal and Ereshkigal?

9. After giving up on disease, how does Ellil try to keep the world from becoming overpopulated?

10. In the Armana version of the story of Nergal and Ereshkigal, what happens when Nergal goes to the Underworld?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,011 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample