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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. What appears to be the main thing that Erra craves from the other gods, as illustrated several times throughout his story?

2. Which one of the following is an offspring of the Earth and her partner?

3. What was the Flock God son's relationship to his wife before they married?

4. According to Ea's instructions, what must Ninurta do after cutting off Anzu's wings?

5. What does Ishum offer to Erra for a cessation of the attacks on mankind?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the fate of the Sea and the Cattle God?

2. How does Marduk defeat Tiamat?

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

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

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

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

7. What is the given reason and the true reason for the Sebitti's desire to go to war?

8. How does Ninurta ultimately defeat Anzu?

9. Why is the eagle left to die in the pit in Etana's story?

10. What leads to Marduk accepting the challenge to face Tiamat?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why are some of these stories incomplete? What happened to the tablets over the centuries? What is the significance of the tablets being partially destroyed? How does that alter some of the stories? What is still unknown about some of the stories? What other important information is lost with the destruction of some of the tablets? How can the gaps in narration be filled in by studying the myths of other cultures?

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

Compare and contrast the characters of Apsu, Ea, and Marduk. All three of these held positions of power among the gods. What are their differences? What are their similarities? What roles do they plan in the Mesopotamian myths? Which of the gods is the more effective leader? How are all three of these gods related? In what way does Apsu's actions lead to Marduk's appointment as king of the gods? How does Tiamat figure into the hierarchy of the gods? What is significant about Erra's methods of taking over in his story?

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