Epic of Gilgamesh

Definition

The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the oldest known pieces of literature, originating from ancient Mesopotamia. It follows the adventures of Gilgamesh, a historical king of Uruk, and explores themes such as friendship, mortality, and the quest for wisdom. The narrative reflects the beliefs, values, and cultural practices of Mesopotamian society, making it a significant artifact for understanding the human experience in this ancient civilization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Epic of Gilgamesh is believed to have been composed around 2100 BCE and is written in Akkadian using cuneiform script.
2. The narrative includes various adventures such as the slaying of the monster Humbaba and the quest for immortality after the death of Enkidu.
3. This epic emphasizes the importance of friendship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu, showcasing how their bond transforms Gilgamesh from a tyrant to a more compassionate leader.
4. The story features a flood narrative that parallels other ancient flood myths, including the biblical story of Noah's Ark.
5. The Epic of Gilgamesh serves not only as entertainment but also as a source of wisdom regarding human nature and the inevitability of death.

Review Questions

• How does the relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu influence Gilgamesh's character development throughout the epic?
  • The relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu is central to the epic and plays a crucial role in Gilgamesh's character development. Initially, Gilgamesh is portrayed as a tyrant who abuses his power. However, through his friendship with Enkidu, he learns about companionship, empathy, and leadership. After Enkidu's death, Gilgamesh is deeply affected, prompting him to seek wisdom about mortality and ultimately leading him to become a more reflective and humane ruler.
• Discuss the significance of the flood story within the Epic of Gilgamesh and how it relates to other ancient narratives.
  • The flood story within the Epic of Gilgamesh holds significant importance as it reflects a common theme found in various ancient cultures regarding divine retribution and survival. In this narrative, Utnapishtim recounts how he was warned by the god Ea about an impending flood meant to wipe out humanity. This story closely parallels other ancient flood myths, such as that of Noah in the Hebrew Bible. This similarity suggests shared cultural themes across civilizations and highlights how these stories were used to convey moral lessons about human behavior and divine power.
• Evaluate how the themes presented in the Epic of Gilgamesh reflect the societal values and beliefs of ancient Mesopotamia.
  • The themes in the Epic of Gilgamesh provide deep insights into the societal values and beliefs of ancient Mesopotamia. Themes such as friendship, heroism, mortality, and the quest for knowledge are prominent throughout the epic. The value placed on friendship is evident in Gilgamesh's transformation due to his bond with Enkidu. Moreover, the quest for immortality reflects human concerns about death and legacy. These themes illustrate how Mesopotamians viewed their existence within a larger cosmic order, emphasizing not just personal achievements but also moral responsibilities to others and society.

Related terms

Sumerians:

An ancient civilization in southern Mesopotamia credited with creating one of the first writing systems, cuneiform, and for establishing city-states.

Enkidu: A wild man created by the gods as a counterpart to Gilgamesh, who becomes his close friend and companion in the epic.

Cuneiform: The writing system used in ancient Mesopotamia, developed by the Sumerians, which utilized wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets.