1. THE EPIC OF GILGAMESH

2. The Epic of Gilgamesh Explores Mysteries of Mankind
Illuminates Understanding of the Human Condition on a Universal Level

3. The Work
12 Clay Tablets
Written n Akkadian and Semitic Languages (Hebrew and Arabic)
Found in all Languages Written in Cunnieform
Story Evolved over 1000 years
Story Vanished –Names of Cities and People Disappeared

4. Cunnieform Ancient Writing

5. Example of Letter and Envelope

6. Example of Ancient Seal

7. Ishtar Places Her Right Foot on the Lion in This Cylindrical Seal

8. Map of Mesopotamia
Modern Mesopotamia

9. Map of Ancient Mesopotamia
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
Map of Ancient Mesopotamia
Nippur is Sacred City of Enlil

10. Art and Music
Harpist
Pazuzu Demon
Scorpion Man

11. The Epic of Gilgamesh Explores Issues
Man’s Relationship to the Gods
Man’s Relationship to Nature
Man’s Relationship to Other Men

12. Themes in the Epic Friendship Quest for immortality Recognition
Immortality f Art

13. Epic’s Prologue Emphasizes Wisdom Acquired in Life
Monuments Erected Which Last For Centuries

14. Gilgamesh the God and Man
Bad Ruler
Arrogant Person
Oppressive to His People
Brutal to Friend and Foe

15. Enkidu Created by Gods as a Match for Gilgamesh Seduced by a Harlot
Tamed by Civilization
Possesses the Best of Man and Beast
Suffers and Dies for the Sins of Gilgamesh
(rejection of Ishtar)

16. First Adventure
Slay Humbaba
Giant of Cedar Forest of the Living

17. Second Adventure Gilgamesh Rejects Ishtar
Ishtar Sends Bull of Heaven Against People of Uruk
Gilgamesh and Enkidu Destroy It
Enkidu Dies a Painful, Slow, Pathetic Death

18. Enkidu’s Death Awaken Gilgamesh
Emptiness of Mortality in Spite of Worldly Fame
Search for immortality

19. Discovery Secrets of Immortality from Utnapishtim Flood Story
Universal Story

20. Journey
Pass Fierce Lions Who Guard Path

21. Epic Adventures Tunnel Brings Him to a Garden of Paradise
Dangerous Voyage to Dilmun
Hears Utnapishtim’s Story
Fails Test of Potential Immortality

22. Fails 2 Tests of Potential Immortals
Can’t Remain Awake for 6 Days and 7 Nights
Loses Plant of Immortality to the Serpent

23. Return to Uruk Empty Handed Knows His Wordly Endeavors Will Endure
Has Become Wiser

24. What Does the Story Mean To Us
How Did the Ancient People of Mesopotamia Live?
What Experiences Related Through the Story are Similar to Experiences of Man Today?
What Role Does God Play in the Attitudes, Values and Beliefs of the People of Ancient Uruk?