1. The Epic of Gilgamesh

2. The History Ancient Story Cuneiform Stone Tablets
Loosely based on a Historical King
A king named “Gilgamesh” ruled Uruk in Mesopotamia around 2750 B.C.E
Based on Oral Tradition
Collection of pieces into one story attributed to Sin-liqe-unninni, a Babylonian Priest
Story Repeated Across Centuries and Cultures
Cuneiform Stone Tablets
Sumerian, Akkadian, Babylonian
Rediscovered in the Nineteenth Century
Story Pieced Together From Multiple Sources and Translated into English
Some Missing Pieces
Stone Tablets Incomplete
Translation Uncertain

3. Key Places Uruk The Steppe Cedar Forest The Netherworld
Places on the Journey
Tunnel (guarded by two scorpion-men)
Waters of Death
Utanapishtim’s Island

4. Key Characters Gilgamesh Enkidu Shamhat Humbaba Gods and goddesses
Shamash
Ninsun
Aruru
Ishtar
Anu
Enlil
Siduri
Urshanabi Ea
Utanapishtim and his wife

5. Gilgamesh King of Uruk, A Mighty City 2/3 Divine, 1/3 Human
Mother is Ninsun (the Wild Cow)
Arrogant and Abusive
The People of Uruk complain about how he treats them
The “birth goddess” Aruru Responds by Creating Enkidu
“Equal” to Gilgamesh

6. Enkidu Created from clay by Aruru A Wild Man
Purpose is to “Contend” with Gilgamesh to Bring Peace to Uruk
A Wild Man
Covered in Hair
Raised by Animals in the Wilderness with No Connection to Civilization
Contact with Civilization Causes Him to Lose His Wildness
Seduced by Shamhat, the Harlot
Educated by Shepherds
Fights Gilgamesh
Become Friends

7. Key Plots Friendship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu Adventures
Civilization vs. Wilderness
Adventures
Battle with Humbaba
Conflict with Ishtar
Quest for Immortality
Reality of Death
The Flood Story
Success or failure?

8. Important Themes Civilization vs. Nature Immortality vs. Mortality
Divinity vs. Humanity
Friendship
Fame
Heroism