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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 Shamash help Gilgamesh in his battle against Humbaba?

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

3. What god is sacrificed in order to create man?

4. On what medium where these myths originally found?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. According to the author, why is it important that people understand the origins of several well-known stories as well as knowing more about the time period from which these stories were born?

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

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

9. How does Ishtar gain entrance into the Underworld?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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