Etana (Dalley, 189-202)
 
 

TABLET I (190-191)
Most of this tablet is missing, so we can’t learn much from this section.  Just read it and it will go by quickly!
 

TABLET II (191-196)
1. Why does the serpent turn down the eagle’s friendship?
 
 

2. What pledge/oath do they agree to?
 
 

3. What evil plan does the eagle concoct?
 
 

4. What do the eagle’s children say about this plan?
 
 

5. What trap does Shamash help the serpent set against the eagle?
 
 

6. What does the eagle’s son say about this trap of Shamash?
 
 

7. When the serpent seizes the eagle (who pleads for his release), why does the serpent say, “ If I were to free you … The punishment due to you would revert to me …”?
 
 

8. While stuck in the pit, what trick does the eagle use with Shamash?
 
 

9. For what does the king Etana pray to Shamash?
 
 
 

TABLET III (196-200)
10. After nursing the eagle back to health, for what does Etana ask in return?
 
 

11. Why does the eagle take Etana upwards to the sky?
 
 

12. Briefly describe Etana’s first dream.
 
 

13. Briefly describe Etana’s wife’s dream.
 
 

14. Briefly describe Etana’s second dream.
 
 

15. What does the eagle do with Etana at the end?  Is this an appropriate ending?
 
 

16. What moral or lesson is learned from this fable?