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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Atrahasis bring onto his boat besides people?
(a) Rocks for the gods.
(b) The Sebitti.
(c) The altar from Ellil's temple.
(d) Animals.

2. In the final tablet of the Epic of Gilgamesh, what does Enkidu offer to retrieve for Gilgamesh?
(a) A sword.
(b) A toy.
(c) A pomegranate seed.
(d) Shamhat.

3. How much of Gilgamesh is considered to be the mortal part?
(a) One fifth.
(b) One fourth.
(c) One half.
(d) One third.

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

5. Why does the author of this book believe it is necessary to understand where the stories of several different cultures originated?
(a) It helps to understand how women were once treated.
(b) It helps to understand the stories behind the legends.
(c) It helps to understand the importance of working for onself.
(d) It helps to understand which cultures came first.

Short Answer Questions

1. What ancient text is not listed as having being inspired by these myths?

2. Who tells Atrahasis to build a boat in anticipation of Ellil flooding the world?

3. What offer does Gilgamesh refuse from Ishtar?

4. After seven years of famine, to what does mankind resort?

5. What is the station of the god or goddess who creates man?

Short Essay Questions

1. What must Namtar avoid doing while in the Underworld serving out his punishment?

2. Where is the approximate location of Mesopotamia in the modern world?

3. What reasons are given for the Mesopotamian myths becoming the basis of stories for several other cultures?

4. According to the story of Atrahasis, how and why was man created?

5. Why does all sexual activity on Earth stop while Ishtar is in Kurnugi?

6. What is significant about Ninsun adopting Enkidu as her own son?

7. Describe Ishtar's journey to see her sister, Ereshkigal, in the Underworld.

8. How does Shamhat force Enkidu to meet Gilgamesh?

9. According to the author, why is it important that people understand the origins of several well-known stories as well as knowing more about the time period from which these stories were born?

10. After giving up on disease, how does Ellil try to keep the world from becoming overpopulated?

(see the answer keys)

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