Mesopotamian Myth Menagerie Trivia Quiz

Answer: a brave king on an adventure

Though there is evidence that Gilgamesh was an historical king, not much information was known about him. However, his deification into a mythical figure elevated him within Mesopotamian religious practice. Stories and poems were written about him, with "The Epic of Gilgamesh" written in Akkadian being the foremost version.

Gilgamesh goes on an adventure to the Cedar Forest. With his superhuman strength and the help of his friend, Enkidu, he kills the Bull of Heaven. Later, Gilgamesh tries to find the secret to eternal life after the death of his friend.

"The Epic of Gilgamesh" is believed to have heavily influenced Homer's "Illiad" and "Odyssey."

Answer: Royal Library of Ashurbanipal

Ashurbanipal was the last king of Assyria and was the most powerful man on the planet at the time of his rule.

The Royal Library of Ashurbanipal was originally housed in the ancient city of Ninevah, which is now near present-day Mosul in Iraq. Many of the materials were taken by the British and are now housed in the British Museum. The sheer volume of materials, including "The Epic of Gilgamesh," provides a vast trove of information about civilization's history. It contains so much information that author H.G. Wells once wrote about the Library of Ashurbanipal that it is "the most precious source of historical material in the world."

Answer: a flood

Many Mesopotamian texts refer to grand, disastrous floods brought upon by vengeful gods. One such flood exists in "The Epic of Gilgamesh." Historians can draw direct parallels from this event in Mesopotamian mythology to the stories in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament.

In fact, one can often look to Mesopotamian mythology for parallels in many of history's religious traditions. Greek and Roman mythology often draw their own pantheons from sources from this region. Monotheistic religions that began in the Middle East region also find strong parallels in many of their stories. It's no huge surprise that much of human tradition finds its earliest roots in the cradle of civilization.

Answer: Abzu

The relationship between Abzu and Tiamat resulted in the creation of the other Mesopotamian gods, though Abzu and Tiamat regretted their creation. Abzu was later slain by the younger gods so that they could take over his rule of the universe.

Answer: The Tablet of Destinies

It is important to remember that the written word in Babylonia (1895 BC-539 BC) and other Mesopotamian cities was completed on a series of clay tablets. Paper wasn't invented until AD 105 in China, though papyrus scrolls were used as far back in ancient Egypt as 3000 BC.

The famous and invaluable Library of Ashurbanipal is comprised entirely of clay tablets that were inscribed with various texts, including the "Epic of Gilgamesh".

Answer: Jupiter

Marduk was a hugely important god in Mesopotamian myth, becoming the patron god of the city of Babylon. He was said to have created man from the blood of the fallen Kingu and fashioned man from it. He is considered just and righteous. His Greek and Roman counterparts are Zeus and Jupiter respectively, and he began being associated with the planet Jupiter around the time of Hammurabi.

Answer: Nebuchadnezzar I

The Statue of Marduk held strong religious significance to Mesopotamian mythology, particularly among the Babylonians. After the creation of man by Marduk, humans created the statue. The ancient Babylonians believed that Marduk actually resided in the statue, holding rituals in its presence.

This was significant because it meant Marduk lived among the people as opposed to overlooking them from the heavens.

Answer: Ishtar

Ishtar is a fascinating figure in Mesopotamian mythology, occupying similar roles as those of both Aphrodite and Athena from Greek mythology. She was particularly adored by the Assyrians.

She is often considered an arbiter of justice, and she is not afraid to use that power. In one instance, she destroyed Mount Ebih for defying her, and in other scenarios, she tracked down and punished those who had done her wrong. Ishtar was also said to have escaped the Mesopotamian mythological underworld, which was ruled by her older sister, though her husband was instead dragged back in her place.

Answer: immortality

Unfortunately for mankind, Adapa's actions led to man being mortal and susceptible to disease. The story goes as such: Adapa's boat capsized due to the south wind, after which he attacked and disabled. Adapa was to be judged by Anu, the king of the gods, for his actions. The water god Enki, however, told Adapa not to eat or drink anything while he was in the heavens or he would die.

Because Adapa was so intelligent (and in some versions, the son of Enki), Anu spared the mortal man and even offered him "the food of life." Ever dutiful to Enki, Adapa refused, and in so doing, rejected the gift of immortality. Anu then wondered aloud about how Enki's antics would now affect mankind.

Interestingly, the end of this mythical story is missing, so historians are unsure how it concludes.

Answer: ghosts

Being at least partly incorporeal, the edimmu were often considered vengeful spirits that would harm people if they did not respect particular traditions (one being the prohibition on the consumption of ox meat). They might also possess people or drain the life of those who are sleeping.

It was believed that the spirit could possibly be appeased if one were to perform a small funerary service for the original person who died.