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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. Why is the author not entirely certain that Atrahasis sent an offering of peace to the gods to stop the flooding?
(a) It is unclear if Atrahasis sent a peace offering or a warning.
(b) There are too many versions of this story to know for sure.
(c) Atrahasis denies doing it in the text.
(d) Some of the text is missing.

2. What is unique about the plant Gilgamesh retrieves from the Apsu?
(a) It is able to feed a small town for three months.
(b) It is the only one of its kind in the world.
(c) It grants immortality.
(d) It grants the finder a wish.

3. About what does Ea question Nergal upon the arrival of Namtar?
(a) Nergal refused to look Namtar in the eyes.
(b) Nergal slapped Namtar in the face.
(c) Nergal spat on Namtar upon his arrival.
(d) Nergal did not bow to Namtar.

4. In the story of Ereshkigal, why does Kakka tell the queen of the Underworld to send a messenger up to the world?
(a) They wish send some of their feast to her.
(b) They wish to send more help to the Underworld.
(c) They wish to to replace her messenger.
(d) They wish to assassinate the queen.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. In what color is Dumuzi clad when he descends to Kurnugi?

2. What facet of mankind annoys Ellil to the point where he nearly casts a plague upon them?

3. What reason does the author give for noting similarities between these myths and other, well-known stories?

4. Of what is Ishtar's father the god?

5. What do the gods, at the end of Atrahasis's story, amend in every living human?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. What reasons does Ereshkigal give for her anguish over losing Nergal?

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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