the epic of gilgamesh summary essay

The Epic of Gilgamesh

The Epic of Gilgamesh

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The story begins in Uruk, a city in Ancient Sumer (Mesopotamia) where Gilgamesh rules as king. Though Gilgamesh is known to be stronger than any other man, the people of Uruk complain that he abuses his power. The gods hear these complaints, and the god Aruru creates Enkidu , a man as strong as Gilgamesh. Aruru forms Enkidu out of water and clay, out in the wilderness. Enkidu lives in nature, in harmony with the wild animals.

Eventually a trapper discovers that Enkidu has been destroying his traps. The trapper describes Enkidu as the strongest man in the world. Both the trapper’s father and Gilgamesh tell him that when Enkidu sleeps with a woman, the animals he lives with will reject him. The trapper then brings a temple prostitute, Shamhat , to Enkidu, and she seduces him. Afterwards, when Enkidu returns to the hills where he lives, the animals run away from him.

Enkidu eventually travels to Uruk and blocks Gilgamesh’s way while walking in the city. They wrestle, but Gilgamesh beats Enkidu. They each commend each other’s strength and declare themselves friends.

Because of a dream he has that Enkidu interprets, Gilgamesh realizes that he has not yet made a name for himself. He pledges to travel to the Land of Cedars and slay the giant Humbaba who guards it. With the help of Shamash , the sun god, Gilgamesh and Enkidu defeat Humbaba. Humbaba pleads for forgiveness, but Enkidu delivers the killing blow.

Ishtar , the goddess of love, invites Gilgamesh to her palace and proposes marriage. Gilgamesh turns her down, however, because she treated her previous lovers badly, often turning them into animals. Enraged by his refusal, Ishtar threatens to smash the doors of hell and release the dead unless her father, Anu , releases the Bull of Heaven to destroy Gilgamesh. Because of her threat, Anu does so.

The Bull of Heaven wreaks havoc in Uruk, killing many, but Gilgamesh and Enkidu defeat it. The following night, Enkidu has a dream of the gods gathered together and agreeing that one of the two (Enkidu and Gilgamesh) must die for the killing of Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven. Enkidu grows increasingly sick. Gilgamesh and the people of Uruk mourn Enkidu as he dies.

Again Gilgamesh journeys out into the wilderness, now hoping to find the legendary Utnapishtim , who survived a great flood many years before and was granted immortality. After crossing a mountain range that no man has ever crossed before, Gilgamesh arrives at the Garden of the Gods. Siduri , whom Gilgamesh meets in the Garden of the Gods, warns Gilgamesh that he will not cross the sea. Gilgamesh then searches for Urshanabi the ferryman, and in his anger Gilgamesh smashes an essential piece of Urshanabi’s boat. Urshanabi tells Gilgamesh to prepare 120 wooden poles for their journey, and they set off.

After crossing the sea, Gilgamesh meets Utnapishtim on an island and asks him how to seek immortal life. Utnapishtim says that Gilgamesh will not find immortality, and he tells Gilgamesh a story: Long ago, in a city called Shurrupak, the god Enlil grew sick of the city’s noisiness and created a flood to destroy mankind. But one man, Utnapishtim, received instructions in a dream from the god Ea , saying to build an enormous boat. Sure enough, the flood came, and Utnapishtim, his family, his animals, and his craftsmen were safe. They all stayed at sea until a bird they released did not come back to the ship, having presumably found shore. The gods criticized Enlil for punishing mankind too harshly, and in return he granted Utnapishtim his immortality.

Utnapishtim tells Gilgamesh that he must stay awake for six days and seven nights to get the sympathy of the gods. After the time has passed, Gilgamesh believes he has stayed awake the whole time, but Utnapishtim had marked each day with a fresh loaf of bread, and now one lies moldy and uneaten, meaning that Gilgamesh slept. Utnapishtim banishes the ferryman Urshanabi from ever returning to his island and tells him to bring Gilgamesh back across the sea. Before they depart, Utnapishtim’s wife says that there is a plant that grows under the sea that can restore youth. Gilgamesh ties rocks to his feet and walks along the bottom of the sea until he finds the plant.

That night, however, Gilgamesh bathes in a well, and a serpent jumps out of the well and snatches the plant, then disappears into the water. Gilgamesh and Urshanabi then cross the sea back to where they originally came from and travel to Uruk. There, Gilgamesh feels proud of the great walls he built, and we learn that Gilgamesh will be remembered for a long time as having brought the story of the flood (which he recorded on tablets, with the rest of his adventures) to the people of Uruk.

The last section of the Epic is titled “The Death of Gilgamesh,” and looks back on his reign after he has died. The god Enlil declares that Gilgamesh will be remembered for longer than any other man. The people of Uruk mourn Gilgamesh in the streets. The epic ends with praise for Gilgamesh, proclaiming him the best of men and a faithful servant of the gods. It ends with “O Gilgamesh, lord of Kullab, great is thy praise.”

The Epic of Gilgamesh

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Summary Overview

"The Epic of Gilgamesh" is the oldest existing myth in the world. It tells of the historical king Gilgamesh who reigned over Mesopotamia (in what is now Iraq) around 2750 BCE. The author of the poem is unknown, for "The Epic of Gilgamesh" is sourced from multiple fragments that have been excavated since the 19th century. The earliest versions of the epic are written in Sumerian and date to about 2100 BCE. The current translation is based on the Old Babylonian version, written in Akkadian on 11 clay tablets. These tablets were discovered in the 19th century among the ancient ruins of the city Nineveh by a British traveler; the first modern translation was published in 1876.

The hero of the poem, Gilgamesh, evaluates his courage and strength alongside his male companion Enkidu, who was born and raised in the wild. After various exploits together, Enkidu dies. Facing the reality of his own mortality, Gilgamesh sets off on a journey to find the only living immortal man who can tell Gilgamesh how to escape death.

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Poet Biography

The original author of "The Epic of Gilgamesh" is anonymous, as the myth was likely orally circulated and translated by many for centuries. Five surviving Sumerian poems give early accounts of Gilgamesh’s exploits. Later, during Babylonian times, the stories were connected in the standard Akkadian version of "The Epic of Gilgamesh " (used for this analysis). In the text, the scribe of the Akkadian version names himself Sîn-lēqi-unninni, which was unusual for the time. This scribe would have lived in ancient Mesopotamia and may have been a priest, healer, and scholar from Uruk. Scholars believe he would have written or transcribed the epic sometime between 1300-1000 BCE.

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Mitchell, Stephen, translator. “ Gilgamesh: A New English Version .” 2004. The Free Press .

In Mitchell’s translation and retelling of "The Epic of Gilgamesh", the poem is divided into 11 books, beginning with a Prologue that briefly describes the ancient city of Uruk and Gilgamesh’s journey.

In Book 1, the hero Gilgamesh is introduced as a powerful ruler, the “protector of the people, raging flood that destroys all defenses” (Line 71). Gilgamesh is two-thirds divine and has accomplished great feats; however, he has become a tyrant. His people pray to the gods for mercy. Hearing these prayers, the gods create Enkidu: a counterbalance and double to Gilgamesh, “his second self” (Line 74) equal in strength, courage, and spirit.

Enkidu lives as a wild man among the animals until a trapper discovers him. When Gilgamesh hears of Enkidu’s plight, he sends the priestess Shamhat to tame him with her sexual “love-arts” (Line 77), so the animals will “be bewildered, and will leave him forever” (Line 78). Shamhat successfully seduces Enkidu, and he is forever changed, feeling his mind has been enlarged and he experiences a desire for friendship.

In Book 2, Enkidu becomes more human, chasing off animals and cleaning up his hair and clothing. He is affronted when he hears of Gilgamesh’s power, and goes to Uruk to challenge the king as “the mightiest” (Line 87) in the kingdom. When Gilgamesh exercises his right to take the virginity of a new bride in his kingdom, Enkidu challenges him and they wrestle. Gilgamesh wins and the men embrace, becoming “true friends” (Line 90).

In Book 3, Enkidu and Gilgamesh travel to the Cedar Forest to kill a monster named Humbaba. Gilgamesh is convinced this journey will make him legendary. Enkidu is terrified but ultimately agrees to accompany him. Before leaving, they visit Gilgamesh’s mother—the goddess Ninsun—for a blessing. She prays for their safety and adopts Enkidu as her own son. The kingdom’s elders send them to the Cedar Forest with their blessings.

Book 4 features the journey of Gilgamesh and Enkidu to the Cedar Forest. Each night, Gilgamesh has terrifying and prophetic dreams, each of which Enkidu interprets as Gilgamesh winning the battle against Humbaba. After five nights of travel, they finally arrive at the Cedar Forest where they can hear Humbaba’s “terrifying roar” (Line 116); they freeze in terror. A voice from heaven encourages them to quickly attack.

In Book 5, the pair enter the forest to confront Humbaba. Gilgamesh convinces Enkidu to continue, reminding him they are stronger together. At the monster’s den, Enkidu reminds Gilgamesh of his own words, “Two boats lashed together will never sink” (Line 122), and they advance as one. They attack the monster and with help from the sky god Shamash, they defeat Humbaba, who begs for mercy and offers them the Cedar Forest. Gilgamesh hesitates, but Enkidu dissuades him. In turn, Humbaba curses Enkidu to die a painful death, so Gilgamesh will be inconsolable and “crushed with grief” (Line 127). Gilgamesh cuts off Humbaba’s head. They return to Uruk by river with trees from the Cedar Forest.

Upon return to Uruk in Book 6, the goddess Ishtar sees Gilgamesh bathing and “her heart was smitten, her loins caught fire” (Line 130). She tries to seduce him, but he rejects her. Ishtar, insulted, runs to her father, who gives her the Bull of Heaven to use as revenge. The Bull is brought down to Earth and wreaks havoc on the land, but Enkidu and Gilgamesh defeat it together. Ishtar is again outraged, but Enkidu laughs and gloats while Gilgamesh places the Bull’s horns in his father’s chapel. The city celebrates the victory, but that night Enkidu has a nightmare that the gods are assembled.

In Book 7, Enkidu begins dying. He dreams that the gods are offended with the pair and have decided he must die. He falls sick and dreams of a winged lion that attacks and drags him to an underworld populated by fallen kings. Gilgamesh tries to console him, but Enkidu knows his illness is uncurable. Enkidu curses the trapper who found him as a wild man and Shamhat—the priestess who first seduced him—but the god Shamash calms him and Enkidu retracts his curses. He suffers for 12 days and dies despite Gilgamesh pleading for him to stay.

Book 8 tells of Gilgamesh’s grief as he remembers his friend and the adventures they shared. He has a statue crafted in Enkidu’s memory and makes a large offering to the gods of the underworld, with gifts for individual gods in hope they will welcome his friend and “walk at his side in the underworld” (Line 158). After the funeral, Gilgamesh goes like a wild man into the wilderness.

In Book 9, Gilgamesh mourns Enkidu and is distraught about his own mortality. Seeking immortality, he wanders through the wilderness in search of Utnapishtim—a man to whom the gods granted immortality. At the Twin Peaks, Gilgamesh encounters two scorpion people, a man and woman, who guard a tunnel. The sun plunges into this tunnel each night, “and moves through the earth to emerge above the horizon at dawn” (Line 160). The scorpion woman sees Gilgamesh is driven by despair, so they allow him to pass, advising him to run, as he only has 12 hours before the sun sets again. Gilgamesh begins at sunrise and runs through the darkness for 12 hours, barely escaping the tunnel as the sun “was hurtling towards the entrance” (Line 164). He finds himself in the “garden of the gods” (Line 164).

In Book 10, Gilgamesh must cross an ocean to find the immortal man. He encounters the tavern keeper Shiduri, who advises Giglamesh to enjoy his life rather than seek immortality. He refuses her advice and she eventually directs him to the boatman Urshanabi and his Stone Men. Gilgamesh kills the Stone Men before realizing he needs them to cross the “Waters of Death” (Line 170), but Urshanabi advises him to cut down 300 disposable punting poles, and they are able to traverse the dangerous waters. Utnapishtim greets them on the other side, where Gilgamesh shares his grief. Utnapishtim advises him to focus on his good fortune.

In Book 11, Gilgamesh asks how Utnapishtim gained immortality. Utnapishtim tells of when the gods sent a great flood during his time as a king of the city Shuruppak. In his story, five gods secretly decided to send the flood, but the clever god Ea whispered this secret to a reed fence, and Utnapishtim overheard him. He built a ship and collected “examples of every living creature” (Line 181) along with his riches and kinfolk. The storm came and they sealed the ship as waters rise. Even the gods were terrified, lamenting the destruction of the humans. When the rains stopped, the ship ran aground on Mount Nimush, and Utnapishtim successively sent a dove and a swallow that both flew off and returned to the ship. He sent a raven, which found a branch and did not return. When the waters dried, he freed the animals and made sacrifices to the gods. The goddess Aruru promised never to forget the flood, while the god Enlil granted immortality to Utnapishtim and his wife.

Utnapishtim tells Gilgamesh if he can stay awake for seven days, the gods may grant him immortality. Gilgamesh agrees to the test, but quickly falls asleep, and Utnapishtim’s wife bakes seven loaves of bread, one each day he sleeps. Gilgamesh is awoken and claims “I was almost falling asleep when I felt your touch” (Line 193), but Utnapishtim shows him the breads as proof of his failure to stay awake. Gilgamesh is distraught but accepts he must leave. Utnapishtim’s wife insists Gilgamesh be given something for his journey, so Utnapishtim advises him to dive deep in the ocean and find a plant that is “the antidote to the fear of death” (Line 196) and returns a man to his youth. Gilgamesh obtains the plant, but during his travels with Urshanabi, a snake steals it from him. Gilgamesh weeps at the loss but the journey home continues, ending when Gilgamesh arrives home to Uruk.

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Epic of Gilgamesh: An Analysis of the Main Character Essay

Introduction, works cited.

Gilgamesh is brought into light after the discovery of Enkidu in the forest and his powers though present is revealed as he fights and defeats Enkidu whom they later become great friends. Gilgamesh is also not only a warrior and a leader, but also a considerate person since he is more concerned with the protection of the people of Uruk.his heroic status is felt by all within his ruling.

His demonstration of power is brought forward as he is able to build strong fountains and cedar gate from the forest to protects his rulings. Considered a superman he is portrayed as having distingtive aspects as compared to the people he is governing and in thasi case he is able to do all acts inn his power s withot being challenged.

By taking the long journey to the cedar woods, he is standing a test of courage and showing that he also can possess and have power more than the other gods since he sees that in uruk he has no challangers.He intends to establish his name in the place where the greatest of the men are written.In this concept Gilgamesh undertakes a journey to the cedar forest where he and Enkidu have to characteristically fight and defeet that rulers of the forest. This journey to them is an adventure and acts as a chance to incereacs most of their territorial rule.

The quest for immortality seems to be the driving factor for Gilgamesh since undergoing through this adventure depict his heroic actions of trying to live a life without death.from the advice he received from Enkidu of a possibility of immortality he clearly embarks o and adventurous journey that he clear ought s that it will make him immortal.

In establishing nobility he seeks immortality where he wants to get more honor by slaying a more immortal being unlike having to challenge lesser beings that are not immortal and of little abilities as compared to his. In this concept fighting the gods depict a great success to his rule ant that is a great reason why he and Enkidu undertake the same task of fighting all the superior gods that try to suppress their efforts (Andrew 2000).

The two immense grand adversaries, the hero and his opponent, meet at the climax, this heroic characteristics can be seen in the final tablets Gilgamesh finally meets Utnapishtim the god who offers him a chance of immortality therefore giving a clear characteristic of how heroic Gilgamesh straggled to attain his quest of becoming immortal which at the end of everything he misses this chance and dies. Being a god-despiser, Gilgamesh portrays his abilities as more enhanced that those of the existing gods and it is through this that the gods decide to bring forth Enkidu who they consider that at a certain time he will be able to change the perception of Gilgamesh who even the people under him fear most because of his cruelty.

Due to his heroic attribute he comes across a numinous phenomenon and in this case he prays to Shamash and divine assistance to overcome the challenges that he is journey to attaining an immortal life. Gilgamesh is a hero with character that is more beautiful that he is admired by the goddess, more courageous that he fight all his challengers and more terrifying where his cruelty lingers across his people. Even though he depicts this attributes, he is still mortal.

Allingham, P. Notes on Heroic Poetry (2008). Web.

Andrew G, ed. The Gilgamesh story : The Poem and Other Texts in Akkadian and Sumerian. Babylonian Epic New York: Penguin Classics, 2000.

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The Epic Of Gilgamesh Summary Essay

The oldest book in the world is written about an all-powerful king of Uruk. His name was Gilgamesh, he was a harsh ruler who used his people as puppets. Gilgamesh deflowered every virgin and took sons from fathers His parents are King Lugalbanda and the goddess Ninsun, his blood line was 2/3 god and 1/3 human. 

Ninsun is also known as the “Lady Wildcow” because of her ability to change her form into that of a cow. Gilgamesh was so strong and handsome that no mortal woman could resist him, so he took what he wanted when it came to sex. The gods grew tired of his antics and decided to create a man who would be his match in every way possible. This man’s name was Enkidu.

Enkidu was raised by animals in the wild until he was discovered by some hunters. He was brought back to civilization where he met Gilgamesh’s temple priestess, Shamhat. She seduced Enkidu and taught him the ways of humans. After Enkidu had been with her for seven days and seven nights, he was finally ready to face Gilgamesh.

The two men met in combat and fought for hours until they were both exhausted. They realized that they were equally matched and decided to become friends. Gilgamesh took Enkidu back to Uruk where he showed him all of his riches. The people of Uruk did not know what to make of Enkidu, but Gilgamesh welcomed him with open arms.

Gilgamesh and Enkidu went on many adventures together, including defeating the evil monster Humbaba and killing the goddess Ishtar’s bull. Ishtar was so enraged by this that she sent the great lion Shamash to kill Gilgamesh, but he and Enkidu were able to defeat the lion.

The two friends continued to have many adventures until Enkidu was killed by the gods as punishment for killing Humbaba. Gilgamesh was so distraught over the death of his friend that he set out on a journey to find the secret of immortality. He traveled to the ends of the earth, but was unsuccessful in his quest.

The Epic of Gilgamesh is a book about friendship, loss, and the search for immortality. It is considered to be one of the most important works of literature ever written.

At first, Gilgamesh’s behavior in the Epic is seemingly immortal and unbeatable. However, as the story progresses, Gilgamesh loses his sense of self and Enkidu, indicating that he is not invincible after all. He sets off a chain of events that leads to his transformation. Enkidu’s friendship has a much wider influence on Gilgamesh’s life; it shapes everything else in Gilgamesh’s world.

Enkidu is the one who teaches Gilgamesh about being a proper king, which includes being humble and just. Enkidu’s death is also the event that leads Gilgamesh on his quest for immortality. The main idea behind book is that everyone will face death, regardless of their status in life. This is something that Gilgamesh must come to terms with during his journey.

The book begins with an introduction to Gilgamesh, who was two-thirds god and one-third man. He was the king of Uruk, and was known for his great strength and wisdom. The people of Uruk were tired of his tyrannical rule, so they prayed to the gods for help. The gods answered their prayers by sending Enkidu, a wild man who was Gilgamesh’s equal in strength.

Enkidu and Gilgamesh became friends after they fought each other to a draw. Enkidu then helped Gilgamesh defeat the monster Humbaba, and kill the Bull of Heaven. These acts made Gilgamesh even more unpopular with the people of Uruk.

Gilgamesh’s next adventure was a journey to the underworld, which he undertook in order to find immortality. He failed in this quest, but he did return with a plant that had the power to heal any wound. However, this plant was stolen from him, and he was never able to find it again.

Enkidu died of a disease that was sent by the gods as punishment for killing Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven. This caused Gilgamesh to realize his own mortality, and he set out on a quest to find immortality. He journeyed to the end of the world, but he was not able to find it. He did, however, find a man who had been living in isolation for many years. This man told Gilgamesh about a plant that had the power to make one young again.

Gilgamesh found the plant, but before he could use it, a snake came and ate it. This made Gilgamesh realize that even though he could not find immortality, he could still enjoy life. He returned to Uruk, and lived out the rest of his days as a wise and just king.

Given that the people of Uruk rely so heavily on the Gods and Goddesses, it’s evident that religion played a vital role in Mesopotamian society. The gods were influential not just for matters of faith but also for day-to-day guidance and support.

The pantheon of Mesopotamian Gods and Goddess in The Epic of Gilgamesh include Anu, Enlil, Ea, Ishtar, Shamash, and Utnapishtim.

Anu was the God of heaven who had sixty names and was also known as the father of the Gods. He created the wind and rain and decided whether or not humans would live or die. Enlil was the God of air and storms. He was also known as the provider of food and vegetation. Ea was the wisest of all Gods.

He created humankind and gave themintelligence. Ishtar was the Goddess of love and fertility. She blessed marriage and childbirth. Shamash was the Sun God who brought light and day during the day. He also brought justice to humankind. Utnapishtim was a human who was granted eternal life by the Gods.

The book of The Epic of Gilgamesh is about the journey of the main character, Gilgamesh, in search for immortality after the death of his friend Enkidu. Gilgamesh goes on many adventures and learns many lessons along the way. In the end, he learns that even though immortality is not possible, he can still achieve everlasting fame and glory through his deeds and accomplishments.

This book is split into three main parts: The Journey, The Challenge, and The Afterlife.

In The Journey, Gilgamesh sets out on a long journey to find a way to become immortal after Enkidu’s death. He meets many different people and creatures along the way, including a man named Utnapishtim who was granted eternal life by the Gods. Gilgamesh also learns about the dangers of overconfidence and hubris.

In The Challenge, Gilgamesh faces many challenges, including fighting demons and monsters. He also has to overcome his own fears and weaknesses. In the end, he is successful in defeating all of his enemies and becomes a great hero.

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Epic of Gilgamesh — The Epic of Gilgamesh: A Literary Analysis

The Epic of Gilgamesh: a Literary Analysis

• Categories: Epic of Gilgamesh

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Words: 745 |

Published: Jan 30, 2024

Words: 745 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Table of contents

Introduction, analysis of gilgamesh's character, analysis of enkidu's character, exploration of themes, comparison with other ancient myths.

• Heidel, W. A. (1963). The Epic of Gilgamesh and Old Testament Parallels . University of Chicago Press.
• Kovacs, M. D. (1989). The Epic of Gilgamesh . Stanford University Press.
• Martinez, J. L. (1987). The Gilgamesh Epic: An Analytical Study of the Akkadian Text . Brill.
• George, A. R. (2003). The Babylonian Gilgamesh Epic: Critical Edition and Cuneiform Texts, Volume 1 . Oxford University Press.

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The Epic of Gilgamesh

By anonymous - gilgamesh, the epic of gilgamesh essay questions.

Enkidu is civilized through his encounter with Shamhat, a prostitute. As opposed to our own society, what does this say about views toward sexuality and femininity in ancient Mesopotamia?

Rather than being seen as a negative attribute, Shamhat's sexuality and its ties to the temple cement her importance in Mesopotamian society. She is a means to tame Enkidu as opposed to a means for him to behave like an animal. Throughout the poem, the role of women is unavoidable and important. Although Enkidu and Gilgamesh insult Ishtar, Gilgamesh specifically points out her temple to Urshanabi.

Compare and contrast the role of the serpent and the flood in the Bible and the Epic of Gilgamesh. What similarities and differences can be found?

In both books the serpent is presented negatively; a force that deprives humanity of some pleasure or immortality. In the Bible, the serpent is a deliberate force of temptation, and Adam and Eve are cast out as sinners. It is clearly depicted as an evil presence. In Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh’s own carelessness deprives him of immortality. In his case, the role of the serpent is necessary for him to move past his feelings toward life and death and become a better king, making this serpent less of a villain and more a catalyst for change.

The flood stories in both texts are very similar, and some scholars believe that they refer to a singular event. However, there are differences between the accounts.

What does Gilgamesh's and Enkidu's constant struggle and defiance of the gods tell us about how the gods were viewed in Gilgamesh's time? Are the consequences that both characters face worth the risk each takes?

The gods as depicted in Gilgamesh's story, as well as Utnapishtim's, are presented as being easily angered and vengeful. Part of Gilgamesh's heroic pedigree is inherent in being two-thirds a god himself, but his acts of defiance also speak to a possibly resentful view of the gods among ancient Mesopotamians. The gods are depicted as being difficult to please, sometimes punishing without explanation or meting out punishments that seem far out of proportion to the original offense, as in Utnapishtim's story. Both characters take on large risks by insulting Ishtar, but Gilgamesh is able to face his own mortality and Enkidu is able to learn of the world of humans and of the value of life. Both also come to understand the importance of friendship in life.

What does Humbaba/Huwawa represent? Use examples from the story to support your position.

Humbaba represents fear and the unknown. Both Enkidu and Gilgamesh experience great fear in the cedar forest when they are about to face Humbaba. They support one another with encouraging words when the other is frightened. One can also argue that Humbaba represents nature itself. As guardian of the Cedar Forest, he has a duty to protect it from harm. Gilgamesh and Enkidu together represent civilization. They seek to tame the natural world for their own purposes.

At various points in the story, dreams foretell events to come. What do these passages reveal about how dreams were valued in Mesopotamian culture? What do they tell us about the dreamer's state of mind?

It is obvious from the text that dreams were regarded as important markers that should be interpreted. It seems fair to say that the ancient Mesopotamians lent a good deal of credibility to them in their day-to-day lives. As Gilgamesh dreams of the meteor and the axe in anticipation of his meeting with Enkidu, he turns to his mother for an interpretation of his dreams. While she informs him of the imminent arrival of Enkidu, it could also be that Gilgamesh is lonely and looking for a companion. Enkidu dreams of the gods deciding his death and of what the underworld will be like. His state of mind is one of absolute fear of his defiance of the gods.

Although Gilgamesh faces his own mortality upon Enkidu's death, he also must now face a life without his friend. Why is this also of importance? What does it teach Gilgamesh about life and the spirit of endurance?

Beyond teaching Gilgamesh that his own life must end, Enkidu's death also forces Gilgamesh to continue living the life he still has left. He is initially so distraught over Enkidu's death that he more or less abandons his kingly duties. Utnapishtim teaches him that life must end, but Gilgamesh also must return to Uruk with the full understanding that his own life must continue if it is to have meaning.

What is the significance of the darkness that Gilgamesh encounters in the passage beneath Mount Mashu on his way to seek Utnapishtim?

The text repeatedly mentions how Gilgamesh is alone at this point in the story. With nothing else visible around him, Gilgamesh is truly on his own on this quest. He is also completely lost, without obvious direction, fumbling in the dark. This metaphor reiterates Gilgamesh's struggle with the loss of Enkidu. He is suddenly finding himself unsure of how to proceed in life.

Repetition is a frequent technique the author(s) used in the Epic of Gilgamesh, as is the theme of duality. Enkidu and Gilgamesh are near mirrors of each other, for example. They undertake two quests: one against Humbaba, the other against the Bull of Heaven. Discuss other examples of duality and repetition in the story. Why does the epic contain these elements?

Repetition reinforces themes present in the story, or attributes of a character. Sometimes repetition can also draw contrasts between different events or characters. Besides reinforcing elements in the story, repetition also suggests that these stories may have had a strong oral tradition and were largely passed down in this manner before being committed to these tablets.

Duality also draws comparisons between characters and again reinforces one of the themes of the story: companionship. Enkidu and Gilgamesh are near mirrors of each other. Gilgamesh and Utnapishtim also share some characteristics, not in appearance, but in the knowledge that they both have gained. Enkidu and Gilgamesh embark on two quests. Gilgamesh's journey to the underworld mirrors his quest with Enkidu.

The story begins and ends with a description of the city of Uruk and its walls and other features? What does this signify?

For Gilgamesh it signals reconciliation with the finite nature of life. He is able to return to where he began and see it, almost with new eyes, and a new appreciation. He accepts his place. It also brings the story full-circle, perhaps an aesthetic choice to mirror the cyclical nature of life.

Comment on Gilgamesh and Enkidu's relationship. Is their love of a sexual nature or a more platonic one? The text describes them as being very close. Why do you think that is?

Although there is language in the text suggestive of a relationship beyond friendship between the two, there is no direct evidence of a sexual relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu. At the same time, Gilgamesh declares a love for Enkidu greater than that for any woman. However, Gilgamesh's sexual appetite for women is established early on in the text, where it is written that he sleeps with newly married brides before their husbands do. It is more likely that as the gods created Enkidu to be a counterweight to Gilgamesh, the characters are able to find in each other an understanding that no one else can provide. Only they are able to comprehend what it is like to be the other.

The Epic of Gilgamesh Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for The Epic of Gilgamesh is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

what insults does humbaba throw at gilgamesh and enkidu upon their 1st encounter ?

Are you sure he faces Humbaba in chapter 2? Gilgamesh talks about going to the Cedar Forest but I don't think he gets there in Ch. 2.

How does Enkidu help Gilgamesh before he dies?

Enkidu helps Gilgamesh to defeat Humbaba before he dies.

Epic of Gilgamesh

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Study Guide for The Epic of Gilgamesh

The Epic of Gilgamesh study guide contains literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, quotes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About The Epic of Gilgamesh
• The Epic of Gilgamesh Summary
• Character List

Essays for The Epic of Gilgamesh

The Epic of Gilgamesh essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Epic of Gilgamesh.

• Enkidu's Deathbed Realization
• Questions of the Hereafter in Gilgamesh, the Bhagavad-Gita, and the Bible
• Mother, Goddess, Seductress, Harlot: Women in "The Epic of Gilgamesh"
• Fellowship in the Epic of Gilgamesh
• Death and Immortality in the Epic of Gilgamesh

Lesson Plan for The Epic of Gilgamesh

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to The Epic of Gilgamesh
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• The Epic of Gilgamesh Bibliography

Wikipedia Entries for The Epic of Gilgamesh

• Introduction
• Later influence

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Essay On The Epic Of Gilgamesh A Summary

Type of paper: Essay

Topic: Literature , War , City , Life , Gilgamesh , God , Humbaba , Forest

Words: 1500

Published: 11/27/2019

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The epic of Gilgamesh is a fascinating tale that was written about three millenniums ago. The story is about the human history and tells more about the meaning of life. Gilgamesh is a demigod with unstable complexity of two parts god and one part man. He is seen as the greatest of every man kind and the king of Uruk.

The epic of Gilgamesh commences with a frame convention revolving around Gilgamesh’s life. He is said to be exceptionally strong, physically built and above all he is filled with wisdom. However, the epic unleashes his kingship as a dictator who overruled his subjects, committing vices including the defilement of any woman he fancied. He also enslaved his subjects through forced labor and oppression so as to accomplish the completion of his projects like the magnificent ziggurat towers, high-parameter walls around his city and the laying out of fields and orchards. With regards to the oppression and the groaning of his exhausted subjects, the gods considered keeping Gilgamesh in close observation by introducing him to a wild man by the name Enkidu who became a close ally of Gilgamesh. He made his findings and used stone tablets to keep an archive.

Tablet one introduces the epic by giving a detailed description of Gilgamesh’s life. The archaic Enkidu created by the gods is seen to be associated with wild animals and covered with fur. He is accused by a hunter for having uprooted baits. A temple harlot by the name Shamhat comes in play to seduce Enkidu. Determined to salvage his life, he ignorantly falls for the prostitute’s witty mischief. However, this encounter imminently civilizes him, and she organizes a meeting with Gilgamesh. The tablet also introduces Gilgamesh’s mother Ninsun, a minor goddess well known for her wisdom.

The second tablet confirms Enkidu’s relocation to Uruk where a harlot assists and familiarizes him with human diet. He encounters Gilgamesh and their friendship blossom as a result of a wrestling bout in which Gilgamesh turns out to be more superior to Enkidu. The first trip was to the forest where they would ultimately bring to an end the life of a powerful and monstrous demigod Humbaba. This was a plot by Gilgamesh to reinforce his fame, however, the elders and Enkidu warned him against his intentions. Despite the warnings, Gilgamesh is seen to be unmoved and proceeds in his pursuit of Humbaba.

Tablets three and four somewhat merges the initial arrangements and the journey itself. Gilgamesh is warned against cutting the cedar trees or killing Humbaba, but due to his persistence and belief, he is given the necessary support. A visit to his mother Ninsun reinforces his protection through the sun- god Shamash. Enkidu who is now the adopted son to Ninsun eventually accompanies Gilgamesh. Instructions are left by Gilgamesh for the governing of the Uruk city when he is away. Finally, they took off after invocations, sacrifices, prayers among other preparations but continued performing the rituals from time to time. Gilgamesh got consolations from Enkidu after experiencing five frightening dreams. Enkidu considered these as appropriate omens, and that they were ultimately going to slay Humbaba. As they get closer to the forest, they hear a bellowing sound of the forest monster. They opt to pause and take a breath encouraging each other on becoming victorious in the mission.

Approaching the forest, they stand in awe before the vast gates of the forest. They enter the enormous forest only to experience gigantic footsteps of the ogre crisscrossing the forest paths. They are filled with fear as they are threatened by insults of the monster. The inhabitants of the forest include among others the goddess Ishtar. Tablet five of the epic proceeds to give the unfolding events of the battle and Humbaba alleging that Enkidu is a traitor and promises to kill Gilgamesh and subsequently feed his remains to the avian creatures. The encouraging comments from Enkidu eventually kick off the battle. The sky above darkens as mountains rumbled and Humbaba lynched by a combination of thirteen winds sent by Shamash. Despite the monster’s plea for pity, the two heroes proceeded with their quest of rendering the ogre dead. Although they got curses from the dying Humbaba, they also used cedar poles to construct a raft for crossing river Euphrates with a package of Humbaba’s head. The Enlil temple gates also benefited from these huge trees.

In tablet six, Ishtar, Anu’s daughter, sets up a revenge mission. Anu, the famous god of firmament to send the Gugalanna, tentatively referred to as the heaven’s bull, to assist her in her quest. Her complaints were rejected by Anu, hence Ishtar sort to pursue other outrageous plans and erupts into a full-blown tantrum. She finally gives in after her alternative plans hit a dead end. However, the said Bull of Heaven is directed to the city of Uruk to ravage the entire city by opening the grounds to swallow around three hundred men as well as reduce the levels of the river Euphrates. The beast is finally killed by, Enkidu with the assistance of Gilgamesh, who opted to offer its heart to the Shamash: the god of the sun. Their heroism was followed by a widespread celebration in Uruk. That night, Enkidu awakens amidst an inauspicious dream and inquires about the council’s meeting from Gilgamesh.

Enkidu’s dream is described on records found on the seventh tablet. In a meeting, the gods unanimously decide on slaying either Enkidu or Gilgamesh, for killing both Humbaba and the Gugalanna. Enkidu is, however, marked as the preferred candidate to die in the controversial scenario. Enkidu then reacts to this decision by cursing the temple harlot and the hunter for persuading him out of the wild. He is reminded by the sun-god on the civilized life he learnt from the prostitute. Although Gilgamesh plans to bestow a veritable honor to his friend’s final send off, he is displeased by the decision of the council and later embarks on wandering the wild in distraught. Enkidu also curses the temple gate of Enlil fashioned by the gigantic cedar tree from the forbidden forest. He finally retracts his curse to the harlot after careful consideration of Shamash’s words. The following morning, he awakens with another nightmare hence opts to have died at the battle ground. Enkidu finally dies, after twelve days of confinement in bed.

A lengthy lamentation was delivered by Gilgamesh and called upon every creature to accompany him in moaning his heroic friend. The funeral details are well recorded on the eighth tablet where Gilgamesh is seen to be shattered by the imminent death of Enkidu, and he is torn in sorrow. He relentlessly offers to curve a funeral sculpture in memory of his friend. He, therefore, summoned every artisan in the city to organize a decent and respectful reception for Enkidu in the domain of the deceased. He expresses his previous passion for Enkidu by staying by the corpse until it decomposes then offers offerings to the sun-god. Finally, Gilgamesh sets off to the wilderness (tablet nine) where he grieves for Enkidu. His mind ponders on whether to die while desolate with much sorrow. Fearing for death, he seeks out for the fabled Utnapishtim who was a survivor of the worst catastrophic floods that almost wiped out the entire universe. He seeks to learn the secrets of immortality. He encounters obstacles in his journey including lions, mountains and darkness, and he majorly used the lion skin as a source of clothing. He finally encounters two horrible scorpion men manning the entrance of the identical apices of the Mashu mountain. He is interviewed and allowed to cross the mountains on roads specifically denoted or believed to be for the sun. Gilgamesh then reaches his destination, garden paradise, which is endowed with much jewel.

The tenth table describes’s encounter with Utnapishtim. Urshanabi is a ferryman introduced to him by alewife Suduri. Gilgamesh manages to reach the island where Utnapishtim dwells, with the aid of the ferryman. He tells his story to the legend. He is reprimanded and warned of the futility of fighting the common fate of humans. The legendary proceeds to give him a tale of the floods that saw him survive the disastrous catastrophe of all times (eleventh tablet). His inability to conquer sleep derails his immortality quest. After a royal treatment by Utnapishtim’s wife, he is then told about the boxthorn-like plant that will render him young again. He obtains the plant from the bottom of the sea and plans to test it first on an old man. He loses the plant to a serpent that sheds off its skin after taking the plant. Gilgamesh weeps due to his fruitless efforts and later embarks on a return journey to Uruk. The story, therefore, ends with Gilgamesh questioning Enkidu about life in the underworld.

Sandars K. Nancy. The Epic of Gilgamesh: An English Version with an Introduction. 1960. London: Penguin Classics, 1972. Print.

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