The Epic of Gilgamesh

The Epic of Gilgamesh is the oldest known epic poem in human history, originating from ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq).

It dates back to around 2100–1200 BCE, with the most complete version found in the Library of Ashurbanipal (7th century BCE).

It profoundly influenced later literary traditions, including biblical texts and classical epics.

Basic Information

Element Description

Title The Epic of Gilgamesh

Language

Akkadian (Standard Babylonian dialect)

Form Cuneiform script on clay tablets

Structure 12 tablets (Standard Version)

Main Character

Gilgamesh, King of Uruk (2/3 god, 1/3 man)

Genre

Epic poetry, myth, heroic literature

Setting and Context

Takes place in Uruk, one of the oldest known cities in Sumer (southern Mesopotamia).

Gilgamesh is portrayed as a powerful, semi-divine king seeking fame, wisdom, and eternal life.

The text blends mythology, legend, and early philosophical themes such as mortality, friendship, and the limits of human power.

Summary of Key Plot Points (Standard Babylonian Version)

Tablet Summary

I Gilgamesh is a tyrannical king; the gods create Enkidu, a wild man, to humble him.

II–III Enkidu is civilized by a temple priestess; he and Gilgamesh become close friends.

IV–V They journey to the Cedar Forest to kill the monster Humbaba.

VI Gilgamesh rejects goddess Ishtar; she sends the Bull of Heaven, which they slay.

VII The gods punish Enkidu for the killings; he becomes ill and dies.

VIII–IX Grieving, Gilgamesh embarks on a quest for immortality.

X He meets Utnapishtim, the Mesopotamian “Noah” who survived a great flood.

XI Utnapishtim recounts the flood; Gilgamesh fails the test of immortality but gains wisdom.

XII A later Sumerian addition where Gilgamesh tries to contact Enkidu in the underworld.

The Flood Story: Mesopotamian “Noah”

• Tablet XI tells a flood myth that closely parallels the biblical story of Noah:

• The gods decide to flood humanity.

• Utnapishtim is warned by Ea (Enki) and builds a boat.

• He saves animals and family.

After the flood, he sends birds to find dry land.

• He is granted immortality.

This is the earliest known version of the Great Flood myth and is a key comparative source for later Abrahamic scriptures.

Themes

Mortality: The inevitability of death haunts Gilgamesh.

Friendship: The bond between Gilgamesh and Enkidu humanizes the hero.

Human limitation: Despite heroic deeds, even kings cannot escape death.

Quest for meaning: The story is not about conquering death, but finding purpose in life.

Influence and Legacy

Domain Impact

Literature

Precursor to Homeric epics, Dante, Milton, and modern quest narratives

Religion

Parallels to Genesis (flood, tree of life, serpent)

Philosophy Explores existential questions and early humanism

Modern culture

Inspires novels, films, plays (e.g., The Sandman, Arrival, Noah)

Sample Quote (Tablet XI)

“There is no permanence. Do we build a house to stand forever? Do we seal a contract to hold for all time?”

– Utnapishtim to Gilgamesh

Where to Read

• Translation by Andrew George – scholarly and readable

• Penguin Classics Edition – accessible for general readers

• Online resources:

• The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature (ETCSL)

• The British Museum

A full translation of one of the tablets (e.g., Tablet XI, the Flood)?

A comparison between Gilgamesh and another epic (e.g., Homer or Mahabharata)?

Analysis of a specific theme (like death or kingship)?

Let me know and I can dive deeper.