Honors World Studies Mrs. Steinke

Epic of Gilgamesh  Talk about heroes of today and earlier times.  What qualities make these people heroes?  How are heroes of the past different from those of the present?

Epic of Gilgamesh  You are going to read about a hero of very early times, one of the first (if not THE first) heroes ever to be the subject of a literary work.

The Epic of Gilgamesh  The Gilgamesh epic is a long, narrative poem about a Sumerian king named Gilgamesh who lived between 2700 and 2500 B.C. Although this poem is probably the oldest work you have ever read, its themes are timeless and universal.

The Epic of Gilgamesh  How to become known and respected

The Epic of Gilgamesh  How to cope with the loss of a dear friend

The Epic of Gilgamesh and…The whole idea of mortality

The Epic of Gilgamesh  It is also an action packed story full of battles, gods, goddesses, heroes, tests of strength, wisdom and long, hard journeys.

The Epic of Gilgamesh  The epic does not have a single author. It started as a story that was told and was added to for centuries. It was written on cuneiform and saved in the Assyrian king’s library. It was found by archeologists in 1850.

Epic of Gilgamaesh  About Gilgamesh  According to the stories, he was 67 percent God.  A powerful man, he was exceptionally strong and also good-looking.

Epic of Gilgamesh  However, his semi- divine nature made him arrogant and impulsive.  He also did not understand the concept of death and spent a significant amount of time trying to conquer it, as he was still mortal.

Epic of Gilgamesh  Enkidu  Gilgamesh ruled his city, Uruk, with an iron fist. So, the gods made the wild man, Enkidu. He was tasked with harassing Gilgamesh and keeping him too busy to be oppressive.

Epic of Gilgamesh  However, Gilgamesh “civilized” Enkidu by sending a prostitute to have sex with him. Shortly afterwards, Gilgamesh and Enkidu fought each other. The former prevailed, but grew respect for the latter, and the two became friends.

Epic of Gilgamesh  Enkidu is the “voice of reason.” He tries to talk sense into his more impulsive friend.

Epic of Gilgamesh  Humbaba  Humbaba is the guardian of the Lebanese forests.  Physically, he is a giant ogre who has a face made of intestines.

Epic of Gilgamesh  Despite being a monster and antagonist, he actually works for the gods.  In addition, he has a house and employs servants.

Epic of Gilgamesh  In The Battle with Humbaba, Gilgamesh, and ancient Sumerian king, slays a giant named Humbaba and loses his best friend, Enkidu.

Epic of Gilgamesh  In the Story of the Flood, Gilgamesh journeys to the underworld to find the secret of immortality.

Epic of Gilgamesh  On this journey he hears a remarkable tale of a devastating flood ordered by the gods to cleanse the world of evil.

Epic of Gilgamesh  It is a tale that resembles the biblical account of Noah and his ark.

Epic of Gilgamesh  Do you think that people should be able to live forever?  If you had the opportunity to drink from the fountain of youth and live forever would you take it? Why, or why not?  What might be the advantages and disadvantages of living for hundreds or thousands of years?

Epic of Gilgamesh  Hero’s Journey  The Hero’s Journey is a frequently occurring story archetype.  Many, if not most stories from all over the world, fit at least partially into this pattern.  There are three basic steps: The Departure, the Initiation, and the Return.

HOMEWORK  Read the selections from The Epic of Gilgamesh pages  As always after reading, be ready for a reading quiz next class.  Focus of your reading: The Hero’s quest