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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. In terms of population control, what do the gods agree to do with women?

2. What section of the book is the table of contents for the book's figures?

3. What purpose does the Sigla and Abbreviations section serve for this book?

4. In the Amarna version of Nergal and Ereshkigal's story, what does Ea send to the Underworld with Nergal?

5. In the Armana version, what does Nergal do to Namtar when he reaches the final door to the Underworld?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Belet-ili bring Enkidu to life?

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

4. How does Shamhat force Enkidu to meet Gilgamesh?

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

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

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

8. How does Ishtar gain entrance into the Underworld?

9. What arrangement is made for Ishtar's release from the Underworld?

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

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

Why are some of these stories incomplete? What happened to the tablets over the centuries? What is the significance of the tablets being partially destroyed? How does that alter some of the stories? What is still unknown about some of the stories? What other important information is lost with the destruction of some of the tablets? How can the gaps in narration be filled in by studying the myths of other cultures?

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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