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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through The Descent of Ishtar to the Underworld.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is unique about the plant Gilgamesh retrieves from the Apsu?
(a) It is able to feed a small town for three months.
(b) It grants the finder a wish.
(c) It is the only one of its kind in the world.
(d) It grants immortality.

2. Why is the author not entirely certain that Atrahasis sent an offering of peace to the gods to stop the flooding?
(a) Atrahasis denies doing it in the text.
(b) There are too many versions of this story to know for sure.
(c) It is unclear if Atrahasis sent a peace offering or a warning.
(d) Some of the text is missing.

3. After seven years of famine, to what does mankind resort?
(a) Eating dirt.
(b) Cannibalism.
(c) Prostitution.
(d) Warring.

4. What reasons does Enki give for instructing Antrahasis to build his boat?
(a) He was asked to intervene by Belet-ili.
(b) He wanted to humiliate Ellil.
(c) He wanted to be sure that the new race of humans would worship him.
(d) He wanted to be sure that there would still be life on earth.

5. What is the result of Enkidu and Gilgamesh's brutal battle?
(a) They become friends.
(b) Enkidu falls and becomes Gilgamesh's servant.
(c) Gilgamesh is felled by Enkidu and pledges his servitude to him.
(d) They become enemies.

Short Answer Questions

1. What unique feature does this book use to help the reader understand these stories?

2. What does Belili offer in order to help her brother, Dumuzi?

3. Fill in the blank: The ancient civilization of these myths can be found between the Tigris and the _______.

4. What biblical character is similar to Atrahasis?

5. Which goddess creates Enkidu in order to bring down Gilgamesh's arrogance?

(see the answer key)

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