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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

3. What happens to the plant Gilgamesh took from the Apsu?
(a) It is stolen by a snake.
(b) It is eaten by Gilgamesh in a trick from Ishtar.
(c) It is lost in a storm.
(d) It is stolen by Ishtar.

4. What facet of mankind annoys Ellil to the point where he nearly casts a plague upon them?
(a) Their smells.
(b) Their noise.
(c) Their disrespect.
(d) Their questions.

5. In the story of Ishtar, what version does the author use?
(a) The Sumerian.
(b) The Greek.
(c) The Akkadian.
(d) The Old Babylonian.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What god is sacrificed in order to create man?

3. What purpose does the Sigla and Abbreviations section serve for this book?

4. How does Ereshkigal avenge herself upon Ishtar?

5. For what errand does Ea create the man called Good-Looks?

Short Essay Questions

1. What arrangement is made for Ishtar's release from the Underworld?

2. For what reasons does Enkidu die?

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

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

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

6. What reasons are given for the Mesopotamian myths becoming the basis of stories for several other cultures?

7. What function does the man, Good-Looks, serve in this story?

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

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

10. Why are several of the myths in this book fragmented or missing whole sections?

(see the answer keys)

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