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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. What reasons does Enki give for instructing Antrahasis to build his boat?
(a) He wanted to humiliate Ellil.
(b) He wanted to be sure that there would still be life on earth.
(c) He wanted to be sure that the new race of humans would worship him.
(d) He was asked to intervene by Belet-ili.

2. How many figures are contained within this book?
(a) Four.
(b) Five.
(c) Two.
(d) Three.

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

4. How much of Gilgamesh is considered to be the mortal part?
(a) One fourth.
(b) One fifth.
(c) One half.
(d) One third.

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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What reason is given for parts of these myths being missing?

3. What Phoenician god might be based on the legend of Ereshkigal and Nergal?

4. What tool, in this book, explains how these myths came about?

5. Who is Nergal's father?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do the fates of Dumuzi and Belili explain the seasons and rituals of Mesopotamia?

2. 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?

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

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

5. How does Ishtar gain entrance into the Underworld?

6. What is Nergal's offense against Namtar and his penance?

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

8. What is significant about Ninsun adopting Enkidu as her own son?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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