Epic Of Gilgamesh Quiz
Have you read the Epic Of Gilgamesh? Can you pass this Epic Of Gilgamesh quiz with a good score? The Epic of Gilgamesh is a very popular epic poem from ancient Mesopotamia, and it is regarded as the earliest surviving notable literature as well as the second oldest religious text that came after the Pyramid Texts. This is part of the project for the book Gilgamesh. It tests the book itself and some history related to it. Let's go!
- 1.
In what city did this story take place?
- A.
Chapel Hill
- B.
Athens
- C.
Egypt
- D.
Uruk
- E.
North Pole
Correct Answer
D. UrukExplanation
The story took place in Uruk.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What are the names of Gilgamesh's parents?
- A.
Aruru and Lugulbanda
- B.
Anu and Ishtar
- C.
Lugulbanda and Ninsun
- D.
Ninsun and Humbaba
- E.
Mashedpotatoes and Gravy
Correct Answer
C. Lugulbanda and NinsunExplanation
Lugulbanda and Ninsun are the names of Gilgamesh's parents. This is evident from the question itself which asks for the names of Gilgamesh's parents, and the answer option "Lugulbanda and Ninsun" matches this requirement.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Who creates Enkidu, and with what?
- A.
Anu: Clay
- B.
Anu: Bread
- C.
Aruru: Anu
- D.
Aruru: Joseph and Mary
- E.
Aruru: Clay
Correct Answer
E. Aruru: ClayExplanation
Aruru creates Enkidu with clay.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Who finds Enkidu in the woods?
- A.
Gilgamesh
- B.
Ninsun
- C.
A random hunter
- D.
Humbaba
- E.
Shamash
Correct Answer
C. A random hunterExplanation
A random hunter finds Enkidu in the woods. This suggests that Enkidu's discovery was a chance encounter, rather than a deliberate search. The fact that it was a random hunter who stumbled upon Enkidu also adds an element of unpredictability to the story, as it was not someone specifically seeking him out. This event sets the stage for the eventual meeting between Enkidu and Gilgamesh, which becomes a pivotal moment in the epic of Gilgamesh.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What happens after Enkidu is tamed?
- A.
He realizes that he is naked.
- B.
The animals run away.
- C.
The harlot collects her payment.
- D.
Enkidu runs away.
- E.
Enkidu dies
Correct Answer
B. The animals run away.Explanation
After Enkidu is tamed, the animals run away. This suggests that Enkidu's wild and untamed nature is no longer appealing to the animals, as he has become domesticated. The taming process has caused a shift in Enkidu's relationship with the natural world, leading to the animals distancing themselves from him.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Gilgamesh kills Humbaba because...
- A.
Enkidu tells him to do so.
- B.
Humbaba is evil
- C.
He wants to seem like a hero.
- D.
Humbaba begs him not to
- E.
All of these
Correct Answer
E. All of theseExplanation
Gilgamesh kills Humbaba for multiple reasons. Firstly, Enkidu tells him to do so, as Enkidu believes that Humbaba is a threat to their kingdom. Secondly, Humbaba is portrayed as evil, which further justifies Gilgamesh's decision to kill him. Additionally, Gilgamesh wants to establish himself as a hero, and defeating Humbaba would enhance his reputation. Lastly, even though Humbaba begs him not to, Gilgamesh chooses to ignore his pleas and proceeds with the act. Thus, all of these factors contribute to Gilgamesh's decision to kill Humbaba.Rate this question:
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- 7.
How does Ishtar respond?
- A.
She rejoices.
- B.
She rejects the ring.
- C.
She releases the Bull of Heaven.
- D.
She gives him a cookie.
- E.
She makes Enkidu sick.
Correct Answer
C. She releases the Bull of Heaven.Explanation
Ishtar responds by releasing the Bull of Heaven. This suggests that she is angered or seeking revenge, as releasing a dangerous creature upon someone is a hostile act. It implies that she is using the Bull of Heaven as a means to punish or harm someone, possibly in response to a perceived offense or betrayal.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What does Anu warn Ishtar about?
- A.
5 years of famine
- B.
6 years of famine
- C.
7 years of famine
- D.
8 years of famine
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
C. 7 years of famineExplanation
Anu warns Ishtar about the occurrence of 7 years of famine.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The Bull is...
- A.
Tamed
- B.
Killed
- C.
Trapped
- D.
Missing
- E.
Sick
Correct Answer
B. KilledExplanation
The word "killed" implies that the bull has been intentionally caused to die. This suggests that the bull is no longer alive and has been purposely ended.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Why is Ishtar insulted?
- A.
Gilgamesh forgets their anniversary.
- B.
Enkidu comments on her weight.
- C.
Enkidu does not attend her wedding.
- D.
Enkidu throws a thigh at her.
- E.
Anu disowns her.
Correct Answer
D. Enkidu throws a thigh at her.Explanation
Enkidu throwing a thigh at Ishtar is insulting because it is a disrespectful and degrading action. In ancient Mesopotamian culture, offering food was a gesture of friendship and hospitality. However, Enkidu's act of throwing a thigh at Ishtar implies that he sees her as nothing more than an object or animal to be fed. This action would have been seen as a great insult to Ishtar's dignity and status as a goddess.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Enkidu curses the harlot, and then...
- A.
Curses Gilgamesh
- B.
Curses the city
- C.
Takes back his curse
- D.
Dies immediately after
- E.
Apologizes
Correct Answer
C. Takes back his curseExplanation
After Enkidu curses the harlot, he realizes the consequences of his anger and decides to take back his curse. This shows a moment of reflection and growth in Enkidu's character, as he acknowledges his mistake and tries to rectify it. This action also demonstrates his ability to show compassion and forgiveness, highlighting his transformation throughout the story.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Gilgamesh has to pole the boat because...
- A.
He wants to show off his strength.
- B.
He destroyed the Stone Things.
- C.
It was his payment to the ferryman.
- D.
He lost the paddles.
- E.
The boat ran out of gas.
Correct Answer
B. He destroyed the Stone Things.Explanation
Gilgamesh has to pole the boat because he destroyed the Stone Things. This suggests that the destruction of the Stone Things resulted in the loss of the boat's paddles or some other means of propulsion. As a result, Gilgamesh had no choice but to pole the boat himself in order to continue his journey.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Who is the ferryman
- A.
Utnapishtim
- B.
Urshanabi
- C.
Uruk
- D.
Ugulabugula
- E.
Ura... something else
Correct Answer
B. UrshanabiExplanation
Urshanabi is the correct answer because he is the ferryman in the Epic of Gilgamesh, an ancient Mesopotamian poem. In the story, Urshanabi helps Gilgamesh on his journey to find Utnapishtim, the only survivor of the Great Flood who possesses the secret of immortality. Urshanabi is responsible for ferrying Gilgamesh across the Waters of Death to reach Utnapishtim's dwelling. The other options, Utnapishtim, Uruk, Ugulabugula, and Ura... something else, are not the ferryman in the story.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Who crosses the sea without a boat?
- A.
Utnapishtim
- B.
Urshanabi
- C.
Shamash
- D.
Ea
- E.
Ishtar
Correct Answer
C. ShamashExplanation
Shamash is the correct answer because in Mesopotamian mythology, Shamash is the sun god and is often depicted as crossing the sea without a boat by riding on his sun disc. He is associated with light and is believed to have the power to travel across the sky and the sea effortlessly.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Who was responsible for the flood?
- A.
Anu
- B.
Aruru
- C.
Enlil
- D.
Shamash
- E.
Lugulbanda
Correct Answer
C. EnlilExplanation
Enlil is responsible for the flood. In Mesopotamian mythology, Enlil was the god of wind, storms, and agriculture. According to the Epic of Gilgamesh, Enlil decided to send a great flood to destroy humanity due to their noise and disturbance. He instructed the gods to keep the flood a secret from humans, but one god, Ea, warned a man named Utnapishtim and instructed him to build a boat to save himself, his family, and various animals. Enlil later regretted his decision and granted Utnapishtim immortality.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Gilgamesh was translated using...
- A.
The Rosetta Stone
- B.
An online translator
- C.
An interpreter
- D.
The Behistun Rock
- E.
Pudding
Correct Answer
D. The Behistun RockExplanation
The Behistun Rock is a multilingual inscription located in Iran, which played a crucial role in deciphering cuneiform script and understanding ancient languages. It contains texts in three different languages, including Old Persian, which was used to translate the epic of Gilgamesh. The Rosetta Stone, on the other hand, was instrumental in deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs, but it is not directly related to the translation of Gilgamesh. An online translator and an interpreter are modern methods of translation, which were not used for translating Gilgamesh. The option "pudding" is not a viable method of translation and is unrelated to the topic.Rate this question:
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Aug 18, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Nov 28, 2008Quiz Created by
Gilgamesh