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Epic of Gilgamesh

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

The Epic of Gilgamesh is an ancient Mesopotamian poem that tells the story of the heroic king Gilgamesh and his quest for immortality. It is considered one of the earliest known works of literature and provides valuable insights into the mythology, religious beliefs, and cultural traditions of ancient Mesopotamian civilizations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the earliest known works of literature, dating back to the third millennium BCE.
  2. The poem is composed of twelve tablets and tells the story of the heroic king Gilgamesh and his quest to find the secret of immortality.
  3. The Epic of Gilgamesh reflects the religious beliefs and cultural traditions of ancient Mesopotamian civilizations, including the worship of gods and goddesses and the belief in an afterlife.
  4. The poem explores themes of mortality, the human condition, and the relationship between humans and the divine, making it a significant work in the study of ancient mythology and religious doctrine.
  5. The Epic of Gilgamesh has had a lasting impact on world literature and has influenced the development of other epic poems, such as Homer's Iliad and Odyssey.

Review Questions

  • Describe the central themes and narrative structure of the Epic of Gilgamesh.
    • The Epic of Gilgamesh revolves around the story of the heroic king Gilgamesh and his quest for immortality. The poem explores themes of mortality, the human condition, and the relationship between humans and the divine. The narrative structure follows Gilgamesh's journey, which includes his encounter with the wild man Enkidu, their adventures together, Enkidu's death, and Gilgamesh's subsequent search for the secret of eternal life. The poem reflects the religious beliefs and cultural traditions of ancient Mesopotamian civilizations, including the worship of gods and goddesses and the belief in an afterlife.
  • Explain the significance of the Epic of Gilgamesh in the context of ancient Mesopotamian mythology and religious doctrine.
    • The Epic of Gilgamesh is a crucial work in understanding the mythology and religious beliefs of ancient Mesopotamian civilizations. The poem provides insights into the pantheon of gods and goddesses worshipped in these cultures, as well as their beliefs about the afterlife and the relationship between humans and the divine. The central themes of mortality, the human condition, and the quest for immortality reflect the religious and philosophical preoccupations of ancient Mesopotamian societies. As one of the earliest known works of literature, the Epic of Gilgamesh has had a lasting impact on world literature and has influenced the development of other epic poems, making it a significant work in the study of ancient mythology and religious doctrine.
  • Analyze the ways in which the Epic of Gilgamesh reflects the cultural and historical context of ancient Mesopotamia.
    • The Epic of Gilgamesh is a rich source of information about the cultural and historical context of ancient Mesopotamia. The poem's depiction of the city of Uruk, its ruler Gilgamesh, and the surrounding landscape provides valuable insights into the political, social, and geographic realities of Mesopotamian civilization. Additionally, the poem's exploration of themes such as the relationship between humans and the divine, the nature of mortality, and the search for immortality reflects the philosophical and religious preoccupations of ancient Mesopotamian societies. By examining the cultural and historical context embedded within the Epic of Gilgamesh, scholars can gain a deeper understanding of the worldview and lived experiences of the people who created this seminal work of literature.