Epic of Gilgamesh

Introduction

The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the earliest surviving works of literature, originating from ancient Sumeria (modern-day Iraq) around 2100 BC. It is an epic poem that tells the story of Gilgamesh, a king of Uruk who embarks on a quest for immortality and companionship after the death of his friend Enkidu. The epic has had a profound impact on literature and culture, influencing works such as Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey.

Origins

The Epic of Gilgamesh was written in Cuneiform script on clay tablets by hand around 2100 BC. It is believed to have been composed over several centuries, with the earliest versions found on tablets from the Old Babylonian period (1834-1595 BC). The epic was discovered in 1901 by the British archaeologist Austen Henry Layard while excavating the ruined city of Eridu in Mesopotamia. Since then, numerous translations and interpretations have been produced.

Plot

The Epic of Gilgamesh tells the story of Gilgamesh, a king who rules Uruk with wisdom and strength. However, his reign is marked by violence and war, which leads to the death of his friend Enkidu. In an effort to reclaim his kingdom and protect his people, Gilgamesh embarks on a journey to discover the secret of immortality, seeking out the wise man Utnapishtim, who survived the great flood.

The Journey

Gilgamesh’s quest begins with a visit to Utnapishtim, who tells him about the goddess Ishtar, who had destroyed his city and killed many of its inhabitants. Gilgamesh vows to find the secret of immortality and becomes a wandering hero, encountering various characters along the way.

Encounters

  • Enkidu: Gilgamesh’s friend and companion, who dies after being killed by Gilgamesh.
  • Shamhat: A priestess of the goddess Inanna, who helps Gilgamesh in his quest for immortality.
  • Utnapishtim: The wise old man who survived the great flood and shares his knowledge with Gilgamesh.

Themes

The Epic of Gilgamesh explores several themes, including:

  • Friendship: The bond between Gilgamesh and Enkidu is a central theme, highlighting the importance of friendship and companionship.
  • Impermanence: The epic touches on the theme of impermanence, as Gilgamesh comes to realize that life is short and that even immortality is not eternal.
  • Hubris: Gilgamesh’s own hubris serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of excessive pride and arrogance.

Influence

The Epic of Gilgamesh has had a profound impact on literature and culture, influencing works such as:

Legacy

The Epic of Gilgamesh remains one of the most important works of literature in human history, offering insights into the human condition and our shared experiences.

References

  • Herodotus. The Histories. Translated by A. D. Godley. Cambridge University Press, 1920.
  • A. Leo Oppenheim. “The Epic of Gilgamesh.” In The World of Ancient Near Eastern Literature: Poetry, Epics and Story in the Ancient Near East, edited by Ian Appel, 163-186. Oxford University Press, 1994.
  • Samuel Noah Kramer. The Sumerians: Their History, Culture, and Character. University of Pennsylvania Press, 1958.

Further Reading

  • A. Leo Oppenheim. “The Epic of Gilgamesh.” In The World of Ancient Near Eastern Literature: Poetry, Epics and Story in the Ancient Near East, edited by Ian Appel, 163-186. Oxford University Press, 1994.
  • Samuel Noah Kramer. The Sumerians: Their History, Culture, and Character. University of Pennsylvania Press, 1958.
  • A. E. van der Kooij. “The Epic of Gilgamesh.” In The Cambridge Companion to the Epic of Gilgamesh, edited by John Batey and Robin Brooks, 1-20. Cambridge University Press, 2010.

Visuals

The following images are part of the Encyclopedia Britannica’s entry on the Epic of Gilgamesh:

Online Resources