Mesopotamian Mythology (Middle Eastern) Gilgamesh

Ancient Sumerian Culture Southern Iraq Land between the rivers

Sumerian Achievements Wheel 365 calendar 60 seconds and 60 minutes

Cuneiform---clay tablets

Mesopotamian Archetypes Ancient City (Uruk) a sacred space symbolizing security, social harmony, and creative achievement. It is the place where nature, the human, and the divine are integrated into an ordered whole.

Hammurabi Code of Laws First laws of government “rule of righteousness in the land, to destroy the wicked and the evil- doers; so that the strong should not harm the weak; so that I should rule over the black-headed people like Shamash, and enlighten the land, to further the well-being of mankind.” Shamash

Creation Story The archetypal creation story begins with undefined matter. Then primeval parents generate cosmic gods who, through struggle and conflict, create the universe and mankind.

Heroic Quest The archetypal life journey of a hero includes his struggle to prove his physical strength, win political power, and gain spiritual wisdom.

Characterization Direct Characterization Author directly states what a character looks like, feels, acts, etc. Indirect Characterization Author doesn’t directly state the character’s appearance, actions, feelings, etc. Readers make assumptions based on –Other characters’ opinions, thoughts, etc. –Character’s actions –Dialect, word choice, etc.

Gilgamesh Recorded on clay tablets Several lines are missing. Why? Hero “evolves” as a result of his interactions with others, his quest, and loss. –Dynamic character –Learns from mistakes Several connections to Greek mythology and Christianity