View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In the story of Erra and Ishum, who is most likely the "new king of Akkad" spoken of within the text?

2. What was the Flock God son's relationship to his wife before they married?

3. What is significant about the Theology of Dunnu?

4. What holiday is the culmination of the cycle represented by the Theology of Dunnu?

5. How many gods and goddesses comprise the assembly of the gods after Tiamat's death?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Erra wage a battle against the world?

2. How does Mami (or Belet-ili) explain to her son why he should go to battle against Anzu?

3. How does Ishum end Erra's devastation of the world?

4. What is the station and functions of Adapa?

5. How does Erra trick Marduk into leaving his palace?

6. What leads to Anzu stealing the Tablet of Destinies?

7. In the story of Etana, what is the arrangement made before Shamash between the eagle and the snake?

8. What does Mother Hubur create for Tiamat and why?

9. What happens when Erra takes over Marduk's palace?

10. What role does The Flocks God play in the creation of the world in the Theology of Dunnu?

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

It is common throughout Mesopotamian myths that several of deities are given what could be considered monstrous appearances. What is the purpose of this? How does Marduk, given his description of being "perfect" fit into this theme? How are the Sebitti depicted? In what ways is Tiamat a culmination of the monstrous characteristics of the gods? How does this reflect upon Mesopotamian culture and their relationship to their religion? Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

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)

This section contains 1,085 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample