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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. When Nirgirsu is depicted battling the man who stole the Tablet in the Old Babylonian version of this story, how many lines are missing between this section and the part where Ea intervenes with instructions?

2. How do the gods know when Ninurta has slain Anzu?

3. What leads Etana to attempt, for a second time, to fly with the eagle to Anu's heaven?

4. What is significant about the Theology of Dunnu?

5. According to Ea's instructions, what must Ninurta do after cutting off Anzu's wings?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Marduk defeat Tiamat?

3. What leads to Marduk accepting the challenge to face Tiamat?

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

5. What is the fate of the Sea and the Cattle God?

6. Why is the eagle left to die in the pit in Etana's story?

7. Why does Adapa curse the South Wind and what are the consequences?

8. How does Ninurta ultimately defeat Anzu?

9. What leads to Ea slaying both Apsu and Mummu?

10. How is Adapa tricked out of becoming immortal?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay about the similarities between the Mesopotamian and Biblical flood myths in the following format:

Part 1) The over-indulgence and destruction of mankind.

Part 2) The similarities and differences of Noah and Atrahasis.

Part 3) The relationship between mankind and their god or gods.

Part 4) The final flood.

Part 5) The reconstruction of Earth and mankind.

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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