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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 many gates must one pass through to reach Kurnugi?

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

3. What reason does the author give for noting similarities between these myths and other, well-known stories?

4. How does Ut-napishtium prove to Gilgamesh how many days the latter man slept?

5. What theory does the author suggest as the origin for the tale of Atrahasis?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does mankind react to the drought and famine before the ultimate appearance of the flood?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Throughout the stories from Mesopotamia, there are several myths regarding the rise of a hero. Discuss the "hero-myth" in the following format:

Part 1) Defining a hero by Mesopotamian standards.

Part 2) Atrahasis.

Part 3) Marduk.

Part 4) Ninurta.

Essay Topic 2

What role does love play in The Epic of Gilgamesh? Create a thesis based around the idea that love is the driving force in this particular myth. Points to consider, but not exclusively, include Enkidu and Gilgamesh's relationship, as well as Enkidu's adoption by Gilgamesh's mother.

Essay Topic 3

What role does sex play in both Mesopotamian myths and culture? How do the gods react towards sex? How does mankind? In what stories is sex an important topic? How is the deity in charge of sexuality portrayed? Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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