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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. How does Ishtar being trapped in Kuranugi affect earth?

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

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

4. How many myths are contained in this book?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Ishtar gain entrance into the Underworld?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

How is power both a theme and the center of all conflicts in the story of Anzu? How does Anzu steal his power? How is Ninurta able to kill Anzu despite the latter possessing the Tablet of Destinies? How is Ninurta's decision to go to battle for the glory a way of wresting power for himself? How does this play out in his conflict with Anzu?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the role of respect in the stories of Mesopotamia in the following format:

Part 1) Nergal, Namtar, and Ereshkigal.

Part 2) Apsu and the younger gods.

Part 3) Marduk.

Part 4) Erra and Ishum.

Part 5) Adapa and the South Wind.

Using these stories, create a thesis to describe the importance of respect in Mesopotamian culture and why the stories make that clear.

(see the answer keys)

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