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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. On what condition does Ereshkigal allow Ishtar entrance to Kurnugi?
(a) She must marry the first man she sees after exiting the Underworld.
(b) She must follow the ancient rites.
(c) She must be polite.
(d) She must apologize for her transgressions against Ereshkigal.

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

3. In what modern country can the ancient civilization of these myths be found?
(a) Syria.
(b) Afghanistan.
(c) Iraq.
(d) Iran.

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

5. What does Gilgamesh use to cross over the deadly water past the mountains and darkness?
(a) He simply swims it without taking a single breath the entire time.
(b) A giant leaf.
(c) Three hundred wooden poles.
(d) A boat made from rocks.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. Why is the author not entirely certain that Atrahasis sent an offering of peace to the gods to stop the flooding?

3. Why is Nergal sent to the Underworld?

4. How must Nergal atone for his offense towards Namtar?

5. On their journey to the Pine Forest, what plagues Gilgamesh?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to the author, why is it important that people understand the origins of several well-known stories as well as knowing more about the time period from which these stories were born?

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

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

4. How does Enkidu escape from the Underworld on an alternate tablet?

5. Where is the approximate location of Mesopotamia in the modern world?

6. Why does Belet-ili bring Enkidu to life?

7. How does mankind react to the drought and famine before the ultimate appearance of the flood?

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

9. What remedies are offered after the flood to help control the population of the world?

10. How does Ishtar gain entrance into the Underworld?

(see the answer keys)

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