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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. For what reason, in the story of Atrahasis, do the gods create man?
(a) The gods were lonely without anyone to lead.
(b) They are tired of doing all of the work on their own.
(c) They were hoping to run an experiment.
(d) The gods were bored.

2. From which civilization do these myths originate?
(a) Greece.
(b) China.
(c) Rome.
(d) Mesopotamia.

3. In the final tablet of the Epic of Gilgamesh, what does Enkidu offer to retrieve for Gilgamesh?
(a) A sword.
(b) A pomegranate seed.
(c) Shamhat.
(d) A toy.

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

5. What purpose does the Sigla and Abbreviations section serve for this book?
(a) It gives a time period in which these stories supposedly occurred.
(b) It gives historical background to the story.
(c) It summarizes the work as a whole.
(d) It describes, in-depth, characteristics of the text.

Short Answer Questions

1. What theory does the author suggest as the origin for the tale of Atrahasis?

2. When Namtar is sent from the Underworld to argue with the gods for Nergal's return, what does Ereshkigal reveal?

3. Which goddess creates Enkidu in order to bring down Gilgamesh's arrogance?

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

5. In the story of Ishtar, what version does the author use?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Ishtar gain entrance into the Underworld?

3. Describe Gilgamesh's journey to see Ut-napishtim (or Atrahasis)?

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

5. Why does all sexual activity on Earth stop while Ishtar is in Kurnugi?

6. How does Shamhat force Enkidu to meet Gilgamesh?

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

8. Describe the purpose and function of some of the many different features of this book.

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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