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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. On what condition does Ereshkigal allow Ishtar entrance to Kurnugi?
(a) She must apologize for her transgressions against Ereshkigal.
(b) She must marry the first man she sees after exiting the Underworld.
(c) She must follow the ancient rites.
(d) She must be polite.

2. After Gilgamesh passes through the mountains, what creatures does Gilgamesh mistakenly kill?
(a) The Sebitti.
(b) The stone creatures.
(c) The taklimtu.
(d) The Gorgons.

3. Fill in the blank: The ancient civilization of these myths can be found between the Tigris and the _______.
(a) Indus.
(b) Amu Darya.
(c) Euphrates.
(d) Nile.

4. How many gates must one pass through to reach Kurnugi?
(a) Seven.
(b) Six.
(c) Five.
(d) Ten.

5. What ancient text is not listed as having being inspired by these myths?
(a) The Old Testament.
(b) The Qur'an.
(c) The Illiad.
(d) Arabian Nights.

6. How does Ut-napishtium prove to Gilgamesh how many days the latter man slept?
(a) Ut-napishtium had Shamash stand as witness.
(b) Ut-napishtium planted a tree for each day Gilgamesh slept.
(c) Ut-napishtium's wife baked a loaf of bread for each day Gilgamesh slept.
(d) Ut-napishtium put a cut on Gilgamesh's leg for each day.

7. Who do the myths revolve around?
(a) The gods of Rome.
(b) The gods of Greece.
(c) The gods of Mesopotamia.
(d) The gods of China.

8. What reason does the author give for noting similarities between these myths and other, well-known stories?
(a) It allows the reader to easier relate to the myths.
(b) It allows the reader to see the differences in the relationship between man and god.
(c) It allows the reader to see that the Mesopotamian myths came first.
(d) It allows the reader to see the progression of gender relations through stories.

9. In the story of Ereshkigal, why does Kakka tell the queen of the Underworld to send a messenger up to the world?
(a) They wish send some of their feast to her.
(b) They wish to send more help to the Underworld.
(c) They wish to assassinate the queen.
(d) They wish to to replace her messenger.

10. Who is Nergal's father?
(a) Ellil.
(b) Ea.
(c) Dumuzi.
(d) Namtar.

11. Why is Nergal sent to the Underworld?
(a) He is to send a message to Namtar from the gods about respect.
(b) He is to be whipped by Namtar.
(c) He is to judge the activities of the gods.
(d) He is to sacrifice himself to make amends for offending Namtar.

12. Who is Namtar?
(a) Ereshkigal's judge.
(b) Ereshkigal's vizier.
(c) Ereshkigal's lover.
(d) Ereshkigal's brother.

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

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

15. What is the station of the god or goddess who creates man?
(a) The heart-goddess.
(b) The hearth-goddess.
(c) The womb-goddess.
(d) The earth-goddess.

Short Answer Questions

1. What ritual takes place during Dumuzi's time in Kurnugi?

2. What does Atrahasis bring onto his boat besides people?

3. On what medium where these myths originally found?

4. How does Shamash help Gilgamesh in his battle against Humbaba?

5. How does Ellil first punish mankind in the story of Atrahasis?

(see the answer keys)

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