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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. About what does Ea question Nergal upon the arrival of Namtar?

2. From which civilization do these myths originate?

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

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

5. What does Ea advise Nergal to refrain from while in the Underworld?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the characters of Apsu, Ea, and Marduk. All three of these held positions of power among the gods. What are their differences? What are their similarities? What roles do they plan in the Mesopotamian myths? Which of the gods is the more effective leader? How are all three of these gods related? In what way does Apsu's actions lead to Marduk's appointment as king of the gods? How does Tiamat figure into the hierarchy of the gods? What is significant about Erra's methods of taking over in his story?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast the characters of Ishtar and Ereshkigal. How are they different? How are they the same? What constitutes their relationship? What is significant about their respective roles in life and how they are treated throughout the myths presented in this novel? In particular, be sure to focus on Ishtar's behavior around other gods and humans and Ereshkigal's isolation in the Underworld. Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

How and why is flying a predominant theme in Mesopotamian myths? Develop a clear thesis statement and write an essay, including (but not exclusively) the following topics:

1) Etana and the eagle.

2) Anzu.

3) Marduk's use of the winds.

4) Tiamat's army.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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