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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. After the death of Enkidu, for what does a grieving Gilgamesh seek?

2. How does Ishtar being trapped in Kuranugi affect earth?

3. What do Anu and Ellil agree to do for the other gods?

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

5. How does Ereshkigal keep Nergal from killing her in the Amarna version?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Describe Ishtar's journey to see her sister, Ereshkigal, in the Underworld.

6. How does Ishtar gain entrance into the Underworld?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

What role does Tiamat play as a primeval goddess? What is significant about her status as a being of chaos? What theological implications can be found when considering that Marduk used Tiamat's remains to create the world? How does her monstrous army encourage her chaotic reign? Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the use of deception in the Mesopotamian myths, including (but not exclusively) the following topics:

1) Enki saving Atrahasis from the flood.

2) Nergal and Ereshkigal.

3) The deception of Adapa.

4) Erra tricking Marduk out of his palace.

Develop a clear thesis statement and apply it to the above topics.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,056 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample