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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. Who is Ereshkigal?

2. How long does Enki believe the flood will last?

3. From which civilization do these myths originate?

4. What happens to the plant Gilgamesh took from the Apsu?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What must Namtar avoid doing while in the Underworld serving out his punishment?

4. How does Ishtar gain entrance into the Underworld?

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

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

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

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

9. Why are several of the myths in this book fragmented or missing whole sections?

10. Where is the approximate location of Mesopotamia in the modern world?

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

Discuss the role of women within Mesopotamian culture as depicted within these myths in the following format:

Part 1) Shamhat.

Part 2) The story of Atrahasis to explain childbearing.

Part 3) Ishtar's relationships to men.

Part 4) Ereshkigal as both queen and loner.

Part 5) Belet-ili and her contributions to both deities and mankind.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Why is the Theology of Dunnu important? How does it reflect upon the diversity of Mesopotamia? Why is this important to know about today? In what ways does the Theology of Dunnu explain the world? How does it differ from the Epic of Creation? Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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