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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. Who is Anu's vizier?

2. Who chooses Ninurta to attack Anzu?

3. What pact do the eagle and snake in Etana's story make with Shamash?

4. Who is one of the creators of Lahmu and Lahamu?

5. Why do Adad, Gerra, and Shara refuse to attack Anzu?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Who does Anu initially choose to battle Anzu and why do the warriors refuse?

3. How does the eagle help Etana on his quest to help his wife conceive?

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

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

6. Describe the lineage of the gods as depicted in the Epic of Creation.

7. What is significant about the Mesopotamian culture when reading the Theology of Dunnu?

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

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

10. What is the station and functions of Adapa?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Compare and contrast the characters of Ishtar and Ereshkigal. How are they different? How are they the same? What constitutes their relationship? What is significant about their respective roles in life and how they are treated throughout the myths presented in this novel? In particular, be sure to focus on Ishtar's behavior around other gods and humans and Ereshkigal's isolation in the Underworld. Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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