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The Epic of Gilgamesh

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Gilgamesh: Introduction

Gilgamesh: plot summary, gilgamesh: detailed summary & analysis, gilgamesh: themes, gilgamesh: quotes, gilgamesh: characters, gilgamesh: symbols, gilgamesh: theme wheel.

Historical Context of The Epic of Gilgamesh

Other books related to the epic of gilgamesh.

• Full Title: The Epic of Gilgamesh
• When Written: As far back as the Third Dynasty of Ur (around 2100 BCE), stories were written about the legendary king Gilgamesh. These stories, however, were not unified into a single narrative until the 18th century BCE, in what is now known as the Old Babylonian version of the Epic. This version, however, had major gaps, which were largely filled in by what is now known as the Standard Version. The Standard Version dates from between the 10th and 13th century BCE. Still today, the text is considered incomplete.
• Where Written: Ancient Sumer / Mesopotamia
• When Published: The Epic of Gilgamesh was first discovered in 1853, and the first modern translation was published in the 1870s. Since then, various versions have been published.
• Literary Period: Ancient epic
• Genre: Epic Poem
• Setting: Ancient Sumer (modern-day Iraq)
• Climax: Enkidu’s death
• Antagonist: Though the epic does not have a single clearly-defined antagonist, pride is Gilgamesh’s main obstacle throughout.
• Point of View: Third-person omniscient

Extra Credit for The Epic of Gilgamesh

Old School. The Epic of Gilgamesh is the world’s oldest surviving written poem.

Gilgamesh the Boss. In the Final Fantasy series of videogames, a character known as Gilgamesh frequently features as a boss enemy, along with his sidekick Enkidu.

Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History Essays

Ira Spar Department of Ancient Near Eastern Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The myth known today as the Epic of Gilgamesh was considered in ancient times to be one of the great masterpieces of cuneiform literature . Copies of parts of the story have been found in Israel, Syria, and Turkey, and references to the hero are attested in Greek and Roman literature.

The tale revolves around a legendary hero named Gilgamesh (Bilgames in Sumerian), who was said to be the king of the Sumerian city of Uruk. His father is identified as Lugalbanda, king of Uruk , and his mother is the wise cow goddess Ninsun. No contemporary information is known about Gilgamesh, who, if he was in fact an historical person, would have lived around 2700 B.C. Nor is there any preserved early third-millennium version of the poem. During the twenty-first century B.C., Shulgi, ruler of the Sumerian city of Ur , was a patron of the literary arts. He sponsored a revival of older literature and established academies of scholars at his capital Ur and at the holy city of Nippur. Shulgi claimed Lugalbanda as his father and Gilgamesh as his brother.

Although little of the courtly literature of the Shulgi academies survives, and Sumerian ceased to be a spoken language soon after the end of his dynasty, Sumerian literature continued to be studied in the scribal schools of the following Old Babylonian period . Five Sumerian stories about Gilgamesh were copied in these schools. These tales, which were not part of an epic cycle, were originally oral narratives sung at the royal court of the Third Dynasty of Ur.

“Gilgamesh and Akka” describes the triumph of the hero over his overlord Akka, ruler of the city of Kish. “Gilgamesh and Huwawa” recounts the journey of the hero and his servant Enkidu to the cedar mountains, where they encounter and slay the giant Huwawa, the guardian of the forest. A third tale, “Gilgamesh and the Bull of Heaven,” deals with Gilgamesh’s rejection of the amorous advances made by Inanna, the Queen of Heaven. Seeking revenge, the goddess sends the Bull of Heaven to kill Gilgamesh, but the hero, with the assistance of Enkidu, slays the monster. In “Gilgamesh and the Netherworld,” the hero loses two sport-related objects, which fall into the Netherworld. Enkidu descends into the depths to find them and, upon his return to life, describes the horrid fate that awaits the dead. In the final composition, “The Death of Gilgamesh,” the hero dreams that the gods are meeting to review his exploits and accomplishments. They decide that he, like all of humankind, shall not be granted eternal life.

In addition to the Sumerian compositions, young scribes studying in the Old Babylonian schools made copies of different oral stories about the hero Gilgamesh. One noteworthy tale was sung in Akkadian rather than in Sumerian. Called “Surpassing All Other Kings,” this poem combined some elements of the Sumerian narrative into a new Akkadian tale. Only fragments of this composition survive. By the end of the eighteenth century B.C., large areas of southern Mesopotamia, including Nippur, were abandoned; the scribal academies closed as the economy collapsed. A shift in political power and culture took place under the newly ascendant Babylonian dynasties centered north of Sumer. Hundreds of years later, toward the end of the second millennium B.C., literary works in Babylonian dominated scribal learning. Differing versions of classic compositions, including the Akkadian Gilgamesh story, proliferated, and translations and adaptations were made by poets in various lands to reflect local concerns.

Some time in the twelfth century B.C., Sin-leqi-unninni, a Babylonian scholar, recorded what was to become a classic version of the Gilgamesh tale. Not content to merely copy an old version of the tale, this scholar most likely assembled various versions of the story from both oral and written sources and updated them in light of the literary concerns of his day, which included questions about human mortality and the nature of wisdom. “Surpassing All Other Kings” now became a new composition called “He Who Saw the Deep.” In the poem, Sin-leqi-unninni recast Enkidu as Gilgamesh’s companion and brought to the fore concerns about unbridled heroism, the responsibilities of good governance, and the purpose of life. The new version of the epic explains that Gilgamesh, although he is king of Uruk, acts as an arrogant, impulsive, and irresponsible ruler. Only after a frustrating and vain attempt to find eternal life does he emerge from immaturity to realize that one’s achievements, rather than immortality, serve as an enduring legacy.

The poem begins by explaining that Gilgamesh, although he thought that he “was wise in all matters,” had to endure a journey of travail in order to find peace. Two-thirds human and one-third deity, the hero as king is unaware of his own strengths and weaknesses. He oppresses his own people. In response to complaints by the citizens of Uruk, the gods create Enkidu, a double, who becomes the hero’s friend and companion. Initially described as a wild animal-like creature, Enkidu (“Lord of the Pleasant Place”) has sex with a temple prostitute and is transformed into a civilized being. No longer animal-like, he now possesses wisdom “like a god,” a distinguishing characteristic of humans. After an initial confrontation, Gilgamesh and Enkidu become friends and decide to make a name for themselves by journeying to the Cedar Forest to fight against Humbaba, the giant whom the gods have placed as guardian of the sacred trees. The two kill the monster and take cedar back to Uruk as their prize. Back in Uruk, the goddess Ishtar, sexually aroused by Gilgamesh’s beauty, tries to seduce him. Repulsed, the headstrong goddess sends the Bull of Heaven to destroy Uruk and punish Gilgamesh. But Gilgamesh and Enkidu meet the challenge and Gilgamesh slays the bull. The gods retaliate by causing Enkidu to fall ill and die. Gilgamesh, devastated by the death of his friend, now realizes that he is part mortal and sets out on a fruitless journey to seek immortality.

On his travels in search of the secret of everlasting life, Gilgamesh meets a scorpion man and later a divine female tavern keeper who tries to dissuade him from continuing his search. But Gilgamesh is arrogant and determined. Upon learning that Uta-napishtim (“I Found Life”), a legendary hero who had obtained eternal life, dwelt on an island across the “Waters of Death,” Gilgamesh crosses the sea and is greeted by the immortal hero. Uta-napishtim explains to Gilgamesh that his quest is in vain, as humans were created to be mortal. But upon questioning, Uta-napishtim reveals that he was placed by the gods on this remote island after being informed that the world would be destroyed by a great flood . Building a boxlike ark in the shape of a cube, Uta-napishtim took on board his possessions, his riches, his family members, craftsmen, and creatures of the earth. After riding out the storm, he and his wife were granted immortality and settled on the island far from civilization. Devastated by this news and realizing that he, too, will someday expire, Gilgamesh returns to Uruk and examines its defensive wall. Finally, he comprehends that the everlasting fame he so vainly sought lay not in eternal life but in his accomplishments on behalf of both his people and his god.

Attempts to identify Gilgamesh in art are fraught with difficulty. Cylinder seals from the Akkadian period (ca. 2350–2150 B.C.) onward showing nude heroes with beards and curls grappling with lions and bovines cannot be identified with Gilgamesh. They are more likely to be associated with the god Lahmu (“The Hairy One”). A terracotta plaque in the Vorderasiatisches Museum, Berlin, depicts a bearded hero grasping an ogre’s wrist while raising his right hand to attack him with a club. To his left, a beardless figure pins down the monster’s arm, pulls his hair, and is about to pierce his neck with a knife. This scene is often associated with the death of Humbaba. The Babylonian Gilgamesh epic clearly describes Enkidu as being almost identical to Gilgamesh, but no mention is made of the monster’s long hair, and although Gilgamesh is said to strike the monster with a dagger, he holds an axe rather than a club in his hand. The scene on the Berlin plaque may reflect the older Sumerian story wherein Enkidu is described as a companion rather than a double of the hero. In this older tale, Enkidu is the one who “severed [Huwawa’s] head at the neck.” Similar images appear on cylinder seals of the second and first millennium B.C.

Spar, Ira. “Gilgamesh.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History . New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/gilg/hd_gilg.htm (April 2009)

Further Reading

Foster, Benjamin R., trans. and ed. The Epic of Gilgamesh . New York: Norton, 2001.

George, Andrew, trans. The Epic of Gilgamesh: The Babylonian Epic Poem and Other Texts in Akkadian and Sumerian . London: Allen Lane, 1999.

Additional Essays by Ira Spar

• Spar, Ira. “ Mesopotamian Creation Myths .” (April 2009)
• Spar, Ira. “ Flood Stories .” (April 2009)
• Spar, Ira. “ Mesopotamian Deities .” (April 2009)
• Spar, Ira. “ The Gods and Goddesses of Canaan .” (April 2009)
• Spar, Ira. “ The Origins of Writing .” (October 2004)

Related Essays

• Flood Stories
• The Isin-Larsa and Old Babylonian Periods (2004–1595 B.C.)
• Mesopotamian Creation Myths
• The Origins of Writing
• Ur: The Royal Graves
• The Akkadian Period (ca. 2350–2150 B.C.)
• The Gods and Goddesses of Canaan
• The Middle Babylonian / Kassite Period (ca. 1595–1155 B.C.) in Mesopotamia
• Ur: The Ziggurat
• Uruk: The First City
• West Asia: Ancient Legends, Modern Idioms

List of Rulers

• List of Rulers of Mesopotamia
• Mesopotamia, 1000 B.C.–1 A.D.
• Mesopotamia, 1–500 A.D.
• Mesopotamia, 2000–1000 B.C.
• Mesopotamia, 8000–2000 B.C.
• 2nd Millennium B.C.
• 3rd Millennium B.C.
• Akkadian Period
• Anatolia and the Caucasus
• Ancient Near Eastern Art
• Ancient Roman Literature / Poetry
• Anthropomorphism
• Babylonian Art
• Cylinder Seal
• Dagger / Knife
• Deity / Religious Figure
• Eastern Mediterranean
• Greek Literature / Poetry
• Immortality
• Literature / Poetry
• Mesopotamian Art
• Mythical Creature
• Religious Art
• Sumerian Art
• Uruk Period

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In This Section

• Reflective Essay
• Project Summary
• Introduction

The Epic of Gilgamesh

• Other Creation Stories and Ancient History Links

"I will proclaim to the world the deeds of Gilgamesh. This was the man to whom all things were known; this was the king who knew the countries of the world. He was wise, he saw mysteries and knew secret things, he brought us a tale of the days before the flood. He went on a long journey, was weary, worn-out with labour, returning he rested, he engraved on a stone the whole story."

— The Epic of Gilgamesh , translated by N. K. Sandars (Harmondsworth, England: Penguin Books, 1972), p. 61.

The Epic of Gilgamesh is a series of Mesopotamian tales that recount the exploits of Gilgamesh, King of Uruk. We learn of his overwhelming power, his friendship with Enkidu, and his quest for eternal life. We also read of a great flood that devastated the region. Several cuneiform texts dating to approximately 750 B.C.E. that make up the Gilgamesh epic were found by archaeologists who excavated the library of King Ashurbanipal at Nineveh. Scholars have also discovered other texts and additional fragmentary evidence that places the origin of the Gilgamesh stories in the age of the Sumerian city-states . A list of kings indicates that there was a ruler of Uruk named Gilgamesh in about 2600 B.C.E.

The Text's History

Though The Epic of Gilgamesh appears in numerous anthologies of primary sources in ancient history, and the story's earliest versions are likely quite ancient, the text is in many respects a modern one. There is no set of perfectly intact cuneiform tablets that offers the Epic as we encounter it in books today. Nineteenth and twentieth century scholars located and deciphered several partial texts and painstakingly cobbled them together to offer a "complete," or at any rate coherent narrative. Moreover, these texts were written in different languages at different times, and they were not found at a single location, but at several places in both Mesopotamia and Asia Minor (modern Turkey). The Gilgamesh referred to in the Epic has an historical correlate in a King Gilgamesh who is mentioned in lists of Sumerian kings, but there is no definitive evidence regarding his life and actions apart from the fragmentary texts that comprise the Epic . Finally, though a King Gilgamesh evidently lived during the third millenium B.C.E., and there are fragments of texts on Gilgamesh that date to the second millenium B.C.E., the most substantial text fragments of the Epic were discovered in a library that dates to the first millenium B.C.E. (For further information on these various ancient manuscripts, see the Introduction and Appendix to Sandars' translation of the Epic , cited above.)

Questions to Consider

• What are some of the problems that can accompany historians' use of a text that has been reconstructed from several fragments and then translated and amended to provide a narrative that appears complete?
• Does is matter whether or not there was a "real" historical Gilgamesh? Why or why not? What are the limitations of or opportunities for historical study that our answers to these questions establish?
• How important are the issues of the dating of this text and the fragmentary character of the Epic ? How might we explain or challenge the long chronological gap beetween the date of the text artifacts and the dates of the reign of the historical King Gilgamesh? How can we find out more about the current state of scholarship regarding the Gilgamesh texts?

Text Sources

The book version of the text most often used in college-level courses--and the one quoted above--is N.K. Sandars' translation, The Epic of Gilgamesh (Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1972). Other English translations are also available. Passages taken from The Epic of Gilgamesh also appear in most of the World or Western Civiilization readers. Teachers and students may find these books more useful for their purposes than an online version of the text. The questions on the next page (click on Questions about the Gilgamesh text below) do not refer readers to any particular edition of the text.

Internet Sources

An online introduction to and summary of the Gilgamesh text can be found at:

http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/MESO/GILG.HTM

Examples of cuneiform tablets and further information on ancient Mesopotamian languages and cultures are found at this site listed below, maintained by the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago:

http://www-oi.uchicago.edu/OI/default.html

The University of Birmingham, England, offers background information and discussions of current research at its Cuneiform Database website:

http://www.eee.bham.ac.uk/cuneiform/

Christopher Siren's site contains helpful information on Mesopotamian mythology as well as useful links to other sites:

http://pubpages.unh.edu/~cbsiren/sumer-faq.html

See also the web pages on the Epic of Gilgamesh developed by Prof. Lee Huddleston of the University of North Texas at his site on the Ancient Near East (Appendix V): http://www.hist.unt.edu/ane-09.htm

Questions about the Text

These questions are of an introductory nature, and can be used as the basis for classroom discussions, papers, or both.

• What characters and events does the Epic of Gilgamesh tell about? What are the key events of the story?
• Who is Gilgamesh? How is he described? How does he behave?
• Who are the other main characters in the epic? What roles do they play in the story?
• What kinds of people are unnamed and generally insignificant in the Epic? What might this tell us about the culture that generated the Gilgamesh story?
• What kinds of female characters appear in the story as crucial characters? What might their role in the Epic tell us about the lives and status of women in ancient Mesopotamia?
• Who is Enkidu? How does the story present him? Under what circumstances do Gilgamesh and Enkidu become friends?
• What do Enkidu and Gilgamesh accomplish together? What events lead to Enkidu's death?
• How do humans and deities behave toward one another? Who are Anu, Enlil, Ninurta, Ennugi, and Ea?
• How does Gilgamesh respond to Enkidu's death?
• Who is Siduri, and what information does she have for Gilgamesh?
• Who is Utnapishtim and what does Gilgamesh learn from him?
• What does Gilgamesh learn from the series of events he has experienced? How does the story end?

Questions about the Text as Evidence of Past Civilizations

• What can The Epic of Gilgamesh teach us in a general way about ancient Mesopotamia? What other kinds of sources might we investigate in order to learn more about the character and sequence of civilizations in this region?
• What are some of the limitations of this story as evidence about ancient Mesopotamia? What does the story not tell us that we might want to know? What is the relative validity of the story as evidence about life in that place and time? (And which time period are we referring to if we use the Gilgamesh story as cultural evidence?)
• When was The Epic of Gilgamesh first translated into English? By what methods and by whom? How many English translations of the Gilgamesh story can you find?
• Do you find similarities between this story and the stories in the book of Genesis ? How do various historians and archaeologists explain these similarities?
• When and where did the Gilgamesh story begin to appear as a primary source text in courses in Ancient History? What might this fact teach us about the history of learning about the past in modern times?
• What other question(s) about this story would you like to ask or answer?

The Epic of Gilgamesh

By anonymous - gilgamesh, the epic of gilgamesh essay questions.

Enkidu is civilized through his encounter with Shamhat, a prostitute. As opposed to our own society, what does this say about views toward sexuality and femininity in ancient Mesopotamia?

Rather than being seen as a negative attribute, Shamhat's sexuality and its ties to the temple cement her importance in Mesopotamian society. She is a means to tame Enkidu as opposed to a means for him to behave like an animal. Throughout the poem, the role of women is unavoidable and important. Although Enkidu and Gilgamesh insult Ishtar, Gilgamesh specifically points out her temple to Urshanabi.

Compare and contrast the role of the serpent and the flood in the Bible and the Epic of Gilgamesh. What similarities and differences can be found?

In both books the serpent is presented negatively; a force that deprives humanity of some pleasure or immortality. In the Bible, the serpent is a deliberate force of temptation, and Adam and Eve are cast out as sinners. It is clearly depicted as an evil presence. In Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh’s own carelessness deprives him of immortality. In his case, the role of the serpent is necessary for him to move past his feelings toward life and death and become a better king, making this serpent less of a villain and more a catalyst for change.

The flood stories in both texts are very similar, and some scholars believe that they refer to a singular event. However, there are differences between the accounts.

What does Gilgamesh's and Enkidu's constant struggle and defiance of the gods tell us about how the gods were viewed in Gilgamesh's time? Are the consequences that both characters face worth the risk each takes?

The gods as depicted in Gilgamesh's story, as well as Utnapishtim's, are presented as being easily angered and vengeful. Part of Gilgamesh's heroic pedigree is inherent in being two-thirds a god himself, but his acts of defiance also speak to a possibly resentful view of the gods among ancient Mesopotamians. The gods are depicted as being difficult to please, sometimes punishing without explanation or meting out punishments that seem far out of proportion to the original offense, as in Utnapishtim's story. Both characters take on large risks by insulting Ishtar, but Gilgamesh is able to face his own mortality and Enkidu is able to learn of the world of humans and of the value of life. Both also come to understand the importance of friendship in life.

What does Humbaba/Huwawa represent? Use examples from the story to support your position.

Humbaba represents fear and the unknown. Both Enkidu and Gilgamesh experience great fear in the cedar forest when they are about to face Humbaba. They support one another with encouraging words when the other is frightened. One can also argue that Humbaba represents nature itself. As guardian of the Cedar Forest, he has a duty to protect it from harm. Gilgamesh and Enkidu together represent civilization. They seek to tame the natural world for their own purposes.

At various points in the story, dreams foretell events to come. What do these passages reveal about how dreams were valued in Mesopotamian culture? What do they tell us about the dreamer's state of mind?

It is obvious from the text that dreams were regarded as important markers that should be interpreted. It seems fair to say that the ancient Mesopotamians lent a good deal of credibility to them in their day-to-day lives. As Gilgamesh dreams of the meteor and the axe in anticipation of his meeting with Enkidu, he turns to his mother for an interpretation of his dreams. While she informs him of the imminent arrival of Enkidu, it could also be that Gilgamesh is lonely and looking for a companion. Enkidu dreams of the gods deciding his death and of what the underworld will be like. His state of mind is one of absolute fear of his defiance of the gods.

Although Gilgamesh faces his own mortality upon Enkidu's death, he also must now face a life without his friend. Why is this also of importance? What does it teach Gilgamesh about life and the spirit of endurance?

Beyond teaching Gilgamesh that his own life must end, Enkidu's death also forces Gilgamesh to continue living the life he still has left. He is initially so distraught over Enkidu's death that he more or less abandons his kingly duties. Utnapishtim teaches him that life must end, but Gilgamesh also must return to Uruk with the full understanding that his own life must continue if it is to have meaning.

What is the significance of the darkness that Gilgamesh encounters in the passage beneath Mount Mashu on his way to seek Utnapishtim?

The text repeatedly mentions how Gilgamesh is alone at this point in the story. With nothing else visible around him, Gilgamesh is truly on his own on this quest. He is also completely lost, without obvious direction, fumbling in the dark. This metaphor reiterates Gilgamesh's struggle with the loss of Enkidu. He is suddenly finding himself unsure of how to proceed in life.

Repetition is a frequent technique the author(s) used in the Epic of Gilgamesh, as is the theme of duality. Enkidu and Gilgamesh are near mirrors of each other, for example. They undertake two quests: one against Humbaba, the other against the Bull of Heaven. Discuss other examples of duality and repetition in the story. Why does the epic contain these elements?

Repetition reinforces themes present in the story, or attributes of a character. Sometimes repetition can also draw contrasts between different events or characters. Besides reinforcing elements in the story, repetition also suggests that these stories may have had a strong oral tradition and were largely passed down in this manner before being committed to these tablets.

Duality also draws comparisons between characters and again reinforces one of the themes of the story: companionship. Enkidu and Gilgamesh are near mirrors of each other. Gilgamesh and Utnapishtim also share some characteristics, not in appearance, but in the knowledge that they both have gained. Enkidu and Gilgamesh embark on two quests. Gilgamesh's journey to the underworld mirrors his quest with Enkidu.

The story begins and ends with a description of the city of Uruk and its walls and other features? What does this signify?

For Gilgamesh it signals reconciliation with the finite nature of life. He is able to return to where he began and see it, almost with new eyes, and a new appreciation. He accepts his place. It also brings the story full-circle, perhaps an aesthetic choice to mirror the cyclical nature of life.

Comment on Gilgamesh and Enkidu's relationship. Is their love of a sexual nature or a more platonic one? The text describes them as being very close. Why do you think that is?

Although there is language in the text suggestive of a relationship beyond friendship between the two, there is no direct evidence of a sexual relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu. At the same time, Gilgamesh declares a love for Enkidu greater than that for any woman. However, Gilgamesh's sexual appetite for women is established early on in the text, where it is written that he sleeps with newly married brides before their husbands do. It is more likely that as the gods created Enkidu to be a counterweight to Gilgamesh, the characters are able to find in each other an understanding that no one else can provide. Only they are able to comprehend what it is like to be the other.

The Epic of Gilgamesh Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for The Epic of Gilgamesh is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

what insults does humbaba throw at gilgamesh and enkidu upon their 1st encounter ?

Are you sure he faces Humbaba in chapter 2? Gilgamesh talks about going to the Cedar Forest but I don't think he gets there in Ch. 2.

How does Enkidu help Gilgamesh before he dies?

Enkidu helps Gilgamesh to defeat Humbaba before he dies.

Epic of Gilgamesh

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Study Guide for The Epic of Gilgamesh

The Epic of Gilgamesh study guide contains literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, quotes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About The Epic of Gilgamesh
• The Epic of Gilgamesh Summary
• Character List

Essays for The Epic of Gilgamesh

The Epic of Gilgamesh essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Epic of Gilgamesh.

• Enkidu's Deathbed Realization
• Questions of the Hereafter in Gilgamesh, the Bhagavad-Gita, and the Bible
• Mother, Goddess, Seductress, Harlot: Women in "The Epic of Gilgamesh"
• Fellowship in the Epic of Gilgamesh
• Death and Immortality in the Epic of Gilgamesh

Lesson Plan for The Epic of Gilgamesh

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to The Epic of Gilgamesh
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• The Epic of Gilgamesh Bibliography

Wikipedia Entries for The Epic of Gilgamesh

• Introduction
• Later influence

114 Epic of Gilgamesh Essay Topics & Examples

If you’re writing a Gilgamesh essay , you can explore the themes of love and death for numerous pages. Our experts collected topics and examples that will help you analyze the epic and its characters.

🏆 Best Gilgamesh Essay Topics & Examples

📃 simple & easy gilgamesh essay topics, 💡 interesting topics to write about gilgamesh, ❓ gilgamesh essay questions.

• Gilgamesh: The Hero’s Journey by Joseph Campbell (The Monomyth) For instance, the separation stage encompasses a “call to adventure, refusal to heed the call, and a crossing of the first threshold”. The last part of a hero’s journey according to Campbell is the Hero’s […]
• Gilgamesh and Odysseus: A Comparison After offering prayers to the dead, the people of the river offered the sheep to them and put the remaining parts in a pit that had been dug with shadows of the dead gathering around.
• Gilgamesh and Enkidu Friendship Essay The role of friendship in the Epic of Gilgamesh is vital. This essay unfolds the theme of friendship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu that develops in the course of the story.
• Gilgamesh Compared to Modern Day Hero: Similarities and Differences The characters from The Epic of Gilgamesh help to realize a true essence of heroism as a concept and accept heroes as ordinary people, who are able to develop good relations, set goals, and be […]
• The Epic of Gilgamesh: The Death and the Afterlife The main purpose of the Gilgamesh myth is to illustrate the weakness of man in the face of destiny. By the time this dream appears in the story, the reader is already aware Enkidu is […]
• Importance of Dreams in the Epic of Gilgamesh The prophetic dreams that both Gilgamesh and Enkidu have are used to show the weaknesses of man in front of destiny.
• What Is the Nature of the Gods in the “Epic of Gilgamesh”? In The Epic of Gilgamesh, gods have unbelievable connection to people: people get a chance to learn something from gods, and gods can easily analyze the nature of people and use their values in for […]
• Gilgamesh: Significance of the Literature of That Period of Time The significance of Gilgamesh is evident indeed due to the variety of factors: this work is still regarded as one of the earliest literary works that are known to the reader, this is a captivating […]
• The Literary Function of Dreams in the Epic of Gilgamesh These dreams greatly influence the plot of the narrative since the characters perceived that the deities sent the dreams, they needed interpretation because they had a unique revelation, and were able to foretell the future.
• Comparison Between the Serpent in the Old Testament and in Gilgamesh The serpent is responsible for Gilgamesh not getting everlasting life in the same way that the serpent in the Bible led Adam and Eve to lose a chance at eternal life.
• The Epic of Gilgamesh Analysis In the story, Enkidu who was created to be wild is meant to counteract the oppression of King Gilgamesh on the inhabitants of the Uruk territory.
• Exile of Gilgamesh and Shakespeare’s Prospero The authors of these famous texts show in detail how the main characters Gilgamesh and Prospero struggle with the sense of alienation because of their exile, but overcoming this challenging experience, the characters develop their […]
• “The Epic of Gilgamesh” by Ryan Gibbs He will have you lie on a grand couch, and will have you lie in the seat of ease, the seat at his left, so that the princes of the world kiss your feet.
• “The Epic of Gilgamesh” and “The Bhagavad Gita” Comparison In the epic of Gilgamesh, it is indicated that there was a ruler who ruled the land of Samaria very many years ago.
• Death in The Epic of Gilgamesh and Egyptian Book of the Dead The Epic of Gilgamesh is the most famous work of Babylonian literature, in which the everlasting question of life’s purpose and the inevitability of human death is posed.
• The Flood in The Epic of Gilgamesh: The Secret Through the Story of the Flood Gilgamesh asks Utanapishtim to narrate the story of his fate, and Utanapishtim reveals the secret behind his fate through the story of the flood.
• The Epic of Gilgamesh Enkidu, another man who is also depicted in the Epic of Gilgamesh as having a power in terms of how he treated his companions, meets King Gilgamesh in some of the scenes in the epic […]
• The Epic of Gilgamesh Poem Analysis Whence, the lamentation of his subjects and the appearance of Enkidu form the basis of the transformation of Gilgamesh especially his character.
• The Importance of Friendship in “The Epic of Gilgamesh” At the beginning of the story, Gilgamesh, the king of the Sumerian city of Uruk, despite achievements in the development of the town, causes the dislike of his subjects.
• “The Epic of Gilgamesh” a Story by Maureen Kovacs The fact that Gilgamesh is ready to die for the sake of his people, also shows that he is selfless, a character of a true hero.
• Gilgamesh, The Iliad and Aeneid: On the Similarities in the Works In contrast, the villains are made to capture the fears, and challenges of the societies represented by these epics. The import of these three epics lies in their historicism.
• Discussion of “The Epic of Gilgamesh” Enkidu’s journeys to Gilgamesh and Uruk, his trek with Gilgamesh to the Forest, and the journeys to the underworld are examples of only a few of these major events.
• “Bhagavad-Gita”, “The Odyssey” and “The Epic of Gilgamesh”: Contrast and Comparison The sole aim of all the religions is to make the people realize the value of life and to make the most of the same but doing holy acts and by not indulging in undesirable […]
• Medea and the Epic of Gilgamesh Works Evaluating the murder of the children, the conclusion can be drawn that the females were thought to give the life and take it back.
• Gilgamesh and Odysseus Comparison as a Heroes This myth is priceless for the researchers of Mesopotamian culture since it mirrors the religious traditions of that period, the treatment of gods, the perception of a hero, and attitudes to friendship and death.
• “What Is the Meaning of Life?” in the Works of Gilgamesh and Agamemnon Trying to answer the question ‘what is the meaning of life?’ has been one of the hardest tasks for humanity. One readily gets attempted to ask the question, ‘is life meant to have a bitter […]
• Women in The Odyssey and The Epic of Gilgamesh In particular, the women’s power in the story was shown in their ability to influence significantly men, who were depicted as the wisest and most powerful beings.
• The Epic of Gilgamesh and the Hebrew Bible The Epic of Gilgamesh and the Hebrew Bible illustrate the origin of the world and the coexistence between mortals and gods.
• The Poems “The Song of Roland,” “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” and “The Odyssey” The emphasis on bravery and dignity in Roland represents a stark contrast to the characters of Odysseus and Gilgamesh. Therefore, Roland as a character is vital in the evolution of heroic characters in epic narratives.
• Gilgamesh and Odysseus as Heroes Gilgamesh was believed to be two-thirds god due to the religious background of the land with supernatural influences and the human relationship.
• “The Epic of Gilgamesh” and COVID-19 Pandemic The article chosen for this analysis was written by Zhu & Zheng and focuses on the connection between the Epic of Gilgamesh and the COVID-19 Pandemic.
• Main Character and Idea of “The Epic of Gilgamesh” As stated, the main character of this story is the King of Uruk, who now serves as a reminder that in the early times, humans used to feel the same as we did.
• Quote Explanation From “The Epic of Gilgamesh” This is the task worthy of a hero because, in order to acquire the previous cedar logs for the monument, the characters would have to travel to the faraway forest guarded by the dreaded giant […]
• Deception in King Lear, The Odyssey and Gilgamesh The forms of deception in the book seem to come effortlessly to Odysseus, and the stories he tells throughout the book serve to protect him and his family.
• Heroism and the Spirit of Adventure: The Odyssey and Gilgamesh Interpretation In fact, the ancient epic is famous nowadays mainly due to the fact that some of the works are considered as the first official mentioning of a hero.
• The Role of Women in Great Epic Works: “The Odyssey” and “Gilgamesh” To summarize the influence of both women on Gilgamesh, it is possible to cite Kelley to describe Gilgamesh’s advice to him during one of the toughest period of the epic: When the gods created man, […]
• The Epic of Gilgamesh: Analysis Turning to Gilgamesh’s outward metamorphosis, he was selfish and arrogant at the beginning of the epic, convinced of his exceptionality and ultimacy of judgment.
• Heroes’ Noble Intentions in Epic Poems: Sundiata, Beowulf and Gilgamesh The monster was killed, and later Beowulf had to protect his people from the vengeful mother of the beast, although even the hero’s original sword refused to harm a woman.
• Humans & Gods: Gilgamesh, Genesis, The Iliad, Nicomachean Ethics The narrative in the book of Genesis is constructed to depict that God created the society of people. It is seen in multiple appeals of the characters in the legend to gods.
• Quest in “The Epic of Gilgamesh” To a great extent, the Epic of Gilgamesh illustrates the self-discovery and moral transformation of the protagonist who cannot accept the brevity of his life.
• Critical Reading of Gilgamesh and Ecclesiastes This is to teach the reader to appreciate the life they have and prepare for the inevitability of death. Gilgamesh struggles to understand that, even as a king, he will need to face the fact […]
• The Character of Gilgamesh in His Quest for Immortality The main character’s quest for immortality is analyzed through his way of life, the predetermined impossibility of achieving immortality, his journey to Uta-Napishtim, some of the challenges he has to pass to reach his aim, […]
• The Theme of Tyranny in “Pedro Paramo” by Rulfo and “Gilgamesh” by Mason The usage of magic facilitates the understanding of the real world through its separation from illusive pictures. In his novel, the total deconstruction of political power is observed.
• Dream Symbolism, Epic of Gilgamesh and Sigmund Freud Considering any similarity among the three given theories, it is can be seen that ‘Dream Symbolism’ and ‘Sigmund Freud’ are very similar in the sense that in both of them the main subject is wouldream’.
• Two Legendary Literature Works: Gilgamesh and the Death of Ivan Ilyich Being excerpted from the ancient writing source, the story of Gilgamesh is a mystical epic with points on the struggle of divine and human parts in a man.
• Gilgamesh King of Uruk Review: Unique Characters of Courage and Bravery In the first mentioning of Gilgamesh’s immoral life with the women of Uruk, I feel that he does not qualify to be bestowed with the honor of a hero.
• The Mythical Villains: Gilgamesh, Ravana and Oedipus Thus, the myth is one of the literary genre which helped ancient people to understand and explain the structure and natural phenomena of the world, environment, people and other creatures around, the origins of everything […]
• The Epic of Gilgamesh: The Story of the Flood Gilgamesh is portrayed as a strong, bold and cruel king of Uruk in the beginning. Arjuna, the central character of the epic Mahabharatha is a man of strength, wisdom and who adheres to his duties.
• The Flood in the Bible and The Epic of Gilgamesh The flood stories in the Babylonian text ‘The Epic of Gilgamesh, Tablet XI’ and the Hebrew text ‘Genesis 6-9’ have been targets of international attention due to a controversy created by enemies of Christianity, namely, […]
• Epic of Gilgamesh: An Analysis of the Main Character Due to his heroic attribute he comes across a numinous phenomenon and in this case he prays to Shamash and divine assistance to overcome the challenges that he is journey to attaining an immortal life.
• Violence in the “Epic of Gilgamesh” and “The Summoning of Every-Man”. It is interesting to note that while Gilgamesh relish in the use of violence Every-Man depicts violence in a different light.
• The Epic of Gilgamesh and the Ancient Egyptian Culture The Epic of Gilgamesh and the culture of the ancient Egypt have their own similarities and differences based on the historical events that took place in this cultures and the religious beliefs of the two […]
• Gilgamesh and Oedipus the King In the case of Enkidu, he uses his strength to undermine all those going against his will and he is not putting in mind what the results will be to other in the society.
• Gilgamesh Epic: The Life of a God-Man Both the Eden story and the Flood Story have clear counterparts in the Gilgamesh epic, whose restless hero also has his parallel in Odysseus of the Iliad, even as Gilgamesh fated friendship with Enkidu can […]
• Gilgamesh’s and Joseph’s Dreams Comparison Review The functions of dreams in both works are studied by the researcher, their significance is underlined, differences and parallels between the usage of dreams in both works are established, the enduring values that the works […]
• Epic of Gilgamesh – King of Uruk Their campaign against the ruler of the mountains of Lebanon, monster Humbaba, the death of Enkidu, and the journey of Gilgamesh to the land of Siduri motivated me to create this drawing.
• Epic of Gilgamesh and Its Historical Significance Gilgamesh is “the semi-mythic King of Uruk in Mesopotamia” who is widely known by present-day readers from a classical, ancient piece of literature “The Epic of Gilgamesh”.
• “When the Light Came On: The Epic of Gilgamesh” by Jarman In this passage, the author urges the readers to regard The Epic of Gilgamesh as a source that can illustrate the worldviews and values of the Mesopotamians.
• Comparing Stylistic Features of “Epic of Gilgamesh”, “The Iliad”, “One Thousand and One Nights” In the “Epic of Gilgamesh” Ninsun serves as a mother figure; she is devoted to her son Gilgamesh and is ready to help him in his endeavors.
• “The Epic of Gilgamesh” in Art Interpretation It is imperative to mention that the analysis of ancient works is incredibly important because it enhances the understanding of the traditions and values of the people.”The Epic of Gilgamesh” is regarded as one of […]
• “The Epic of Gilgamesh” and “The Death of Ivan Ilyich” From both stories, it is evident that the journey of life requires people to be sympathetic and interact with each other.
• Hero in “The Odysseus” and “The Epic of Gilgamesh” This paper explores the differences and similarities between the heroes of the ancient epics such as “The Odyssey” by Homer and “The Epic of Gilgamesh” the product of the culture of ancient Mesopotamia.
• Relationships in The Epic of Gilgamesh In the story of Gilgamesh, Enkidu helps the wild animals to escape traps set by people. In Catullus, the narrator shows that toiling in further lands to gain profit is worthless if it is not […]
• Epic Poems: “The Epic of Gilgamesh”, “The Iliad”, and “One Thousand and One Nights” On the other hand, in the epic poem “The Iliad” the author is concerned with the heroic exploits of Achilles in the contexts of death and immortality.
• “Epic of Gilgamesh” – Characters Comparison The characters of Enkidu and Gilgamesh, and in fact, all the characters of this poem, are not notable for logical or reasonable behavior that makes sense to modern readers.
• Literature: Things Fall Apart and The Epic of Gilgamesh The two are internally affected by the struggle between the forces longing for change and those advocating for the restoration of the status quo.
• The “Epic of Gilgamesh” and Mesopotamia Another instance in the epic, which portrays women as sexual objects, is the use of the women as sex tools in the temple. Women in Mesopotamian society had the duty of brewing wine for men […]
• Mythological Story of Gilgamesh Connecting the Story to the Bible: Where the Narrations Cross Being listed among the earliest specimen of the ancient literature, The epic of Gilgamesh bears a certain resemblance to another ancient book, which is the […]
• The Epic of Gilgamesh by Sumerians This paper creates a critical analysis of The Epic of Gilgamesh by specifically discussing Gilgamesh’s place in society, the justification of his societal position and his rights and obligations.
• Cardinal Virtues in The Epic of Gilgamesh The Epic of Gilgamesh enables the reader to identify the cardinal virtues that could be valued in the ancient world. The author of this poem highlights the importance of fortitude through the words of Enkidu […]
• “The Epic of Gilgamesh” and “The Tempest” Analysis The Epic of Gilgamesh and The Tempest are two masterpieces, which reflect the life of people who lived in the times when the works were created.
• Post-Colonial Theory in “The Epic of Gilgamesh” and “The Tempest” In “The Epic of Gilgamesh”, the main character is shown to be sure of his own strength and righteousness of feelings and thoughts.
• Philosophy & Literature: Mythology Through Gilgamesh At the beginning of the myth, Gilgamesh decides to conquer the jungle’s beast, Humbaba. The myth of Gilgamesh is a well-known literary piece.
• The Comparison of Gilgamesh and Odysseus This paper is aimed at discussing the journeys undertaken by the main characters; in particular one should focus on their motives of the protagonists and the way in which both Gilgamesh and Odysseus were transformed […]
• Homeric Heroes: Ulysses and Gilgamesh Then they would talk about their encounters with gods, Ulysses would tell how he met the god of the sea and how he was able to interact with him.
• The Impact of Friendship in the Epic of Gilgamesh The elusive coalition between Enkidu and Gilgamesh, their fateful destinies and eventual epiphanies broaden the societal apprehension of the elements/value of friendship as expounded in the next discussion.
• Meaning of Gilgamesh’s Quest After Enkidu’s death and the loss of the magic plan of the rejuvenation walls, Gilgamesh is reduced to a humble and introverted seeker.
• Interior Monologue for Gilgamesh Yes, that one there, pick it up and use it to wade through the waters Remember to be cautious enough, and let not your hand pass over the waters of death Yes that is okay, […]
• Epiphany of a Character From Assigned Readings Enkidu is Gilgamesh’s closest friend and just before his death, “he has a revelation on the punishment he and Gilgamesh are to undergo after their death.
• The Driving Force of Plot in Medea by Euripides, Othello by William Shakespeare, and the Epic of Gilgamesh Reading Medea by Euripides, Othello by William Shakespeare, and The Epic of Gilgamesh it becomes obvious that the driving force of plot is heroism, however, the nature of that heroism is different that may be […]
• Greek/Roman Humanities: Epic of Gilgamesh and The Odyssey The earliest works of fiction included the work of fiction the Epic of Gilgamesh that dates from the beginnings of civilization in Mesopotamia and Homer’s Odyssey, greatest ancient works of literature attributed to Homer.
• Epic of Gilgamesh The aim of the mythic expedition of the male protagonist is to discover special understanding which will re-establish steadiness to him and the entire society.
• The Story of Gilgamesh in Sumerian Versions The story talks about the powers of Gilgamesh who was the King of Uruk and the influence of other gods in the land.
• The Gain of Consciousness in the “Epic of Gilgamesh” After killing Humbaba in the forbidden forest of cedars, Gilgamesh and Enkidu returns home to find Ishtar, the goddess of love full of lust for Gilgamesh.
• What Assumptions Can You Make About the Ancient Babylonians Based on Your Reading of the “Epic of Gilgamesh”?
• How Has Gilgamesh Changed?
• What Does the Friendship Between Gilgamesh and Enkidu Tell You About the Character of Both Men?
• How Does Enkidu Represent an Undiscovered Side of Gilgamesh?
• What Do the Selections From the “Epic of Gilgamesh” Tell Us About the Society That Produced It?
• What Makes a Person Heroic? Is Gilgamesh a Hero?
• What Is Gilgamesh Like at the Beginning of the Story? How Does Enkidu Change Gilgamesh?
• What Does Gilgamesh Learn About Death and Immortality From Utnapishtim?
• What Does Gilgamesh Search for in His Life and Why?
• How Are Cultural Values Conveyed Through the Narrative Structure of the “Epic of Gilgamesh”?
• What Are the Similarities Between Genesis and the “Epic of Gilgamesh”?
• Who Faced Greater Challenges: Achilles or Gilgamesh?
• What Traits Have Beowulf and Gilgamesh in Common?
• Who Was the Greater Hero – Gilgamesh or Enkidu?
• What Do Enkidu’s Curse and Then His Blessing of the Prostitute Suggest About the Lot of Women in Ancient Mesopotamia in the “Epic of Gilgamesh”?
• Why Does Utnapishtim Tell Urshanabi That He Is No Longer Welcome in His Realm in the “Epic of Gilgamesh”?
• What Does the Story of Enkidu’s Education by the Prostitute Tell Us About Mesopotamian Views of Culture and Civilization in the “Epic of Gilgamesh”?
• Why Is Gilgamesh an Epic Hero?
• What Is the Significance of Gilgamesh’s Passage Through the Darkness Beneath the Twin-Peaked Mountain?
• Is Gilgamesh a Virtuous Character?
• What Does Gilgamesh’s and Enkidu’s Constant Struggle and Defiance of the Gods Tell Us About How the Gods Were Viewed in Gilgamesh’s Time?
• Is Gilgamesh a Man of Action or a Man of Contemplation?
• What Does Humbaba/Huwawa Represent in the “Epic of Gilgamesh”?
• Which Line of Gilgamesh’s Lament Expresses His True Emotion Over the Loss of Enkidu?
• What Is the Significance of the Darkness That Gilgamesh Encounters in the Passage Beneath Mount Mashu on His Way to Seek Utnapishtim?
• What Are Women’s Strength and Their Roles in the “Epic of Gilgamesh”?
• What Is the Importance of Friendship in the “Epic of Gilgamesh”?
• What Was a Cause of Stance Loss in Battles of Gilgamesh?
• What Are Gilgamesh’s Character Traits, Strengths, and Weaknesses? What Are Enkidu’s?
• What Is the Ultimate Message of “Epic of Gilgamesh”?
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IvyPanda . "114 Epic of Gilgamesh Essay Topics & Examples." February 26, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/gilgamesh-essay-examples/.

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