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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. For whom must Ishtar be exchanged in Kurnugi?

2. After the death of Enkidu, for what does a grieving Gilgamesh seek?

3. What is Ishtar's relationship to Ereshkigal?

4. What facet of mankind annoys Ellil to the point where he nearly casts a plague upon them?

5. What goddess is said to have been the mother of Gilgamesh?

Short Essay Questions

1. In the Mesopotamian myths discussed in this book, what early beliefs are depicted?

2. Why is Namtar sent above ground to the feast in the story of Nergal and Ereshkigal?

3. What is Nergal's offense against Namtar and his penance?

4. How does Ishtar gain entrance into the Underworld?

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

6. In the longer version of this story, what happens after Namtar fails to find Nergal outside of the Underworld?

7. Describe the purpose and function of some of the many different features of this book.

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

9. How does Atrahasis initially save the world from ruin before the flood?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the role of respect in the stories of Mesopotamia in the following format:

Part 1) Nergal, Namtar, and Ereshkigal.

Part 2) Apsu and the younger gods.

Part 3) Marduk.

Part 4) Erra and Ishum.

Part 5) Adapa and the South Wind.

Using these stories, create a thesis to describe the importance of respect in Mesopotamian culture and why the stories make that clear.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the differences in the separate versions of Nergal and Ereshkigal's myth. How does Nergal and Ereshkigal's character development change? What is significant about the Old Babylonian version being progressively more violent and less sympathetic towards Ereshkigal? How does Ea's involvement change in each story? Develop a clear thesis on this topic and cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about the Bible's connections to Enkidu from The Epic of Gilgamesh in the following format:

Part 1) Enkidu and Gilgamesh in comparison to Adam and Eve.

Part 2) Enkidu and Shamhat as Adam, Eve, and the Serpent.

Part 3) Enkidu as a martyr.

Part 4) Enkidu's resurrection.

(see the answer keys)

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