Epic of Gilgamesh and Epic Essay

Submitted By MCBacardi
Words: 1150
Pages: 5
Open Document
Matthew Brunicardi
HIST 2321-007
Dr. Lee
September 22, 2012
The Ongoing Epic of Gilgamesh Most historians today, at one point or another, have examined and analyzed one of the earliest surviving works of literature, which in this case originated from ancient Mesopotamian culture. Entitled “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” it is an epic narrative constructed during the early second millennium BCE, describing “human—as opposed to godly—achievements” (Worlds Together, Worlds Apart, p.97). To historians The Epic of Gilgamesh has shed a great amount of light on Mesopotamian society and culture that since before little had been known. The significance of this poem can be detected through it’s themes, as they are universal and ongoing, and can be seen in literature throughout history many years later. These themes consist of pain and grief from the loss of loved ones, the power of the individual, and the battle against mortality are just some of the main themes in this epic poem that should be recognized. To place the Epic of Gilgamesh into a broader historical context, historians often first try to ask and answer many questions about their primary sources to ensure a thorough understanding of the work as its entirety. To begin, historians first try to determine when their primary source originated. From what we know, The Epic of Gilgamesh surfaced during the second millennium BCE, a time where Mesopotamia was facing severe drought and political instability. Once order and culture had been restored by the Kassites (1475-1125 BCE) they then began to study the oral tales and written records of earlier Sumerians and Akkadians in hopes to “dispel their image as rustic foreigners and to demonstrate their familiarity with the region’s core values.” A prime example of such tales is The Epic of Gilgamesh. Even though the exact author of this poem is unknown, historians do know it was traditionally kept alive through verbal transferences of Mesopotamian royal court scribes. Looking deeper, another theme that is detected in this poem is that it was written to help inform readers of the many themes in life such as friendship, religion, gender roles in society, the development of man, and of course, how humans are affected by death. One of the primary reasons of this epic poem is to draw the distinction between gods and humans; gods are immortal, and all humans have to die. Rather than a government edict, this literature conveys more of a form of propaganda for Gilgamesh’s divine claim to power over other men. The book “Worlds Together, Worlds Apart” explains that this epic poem was later used by the “Babylonians and their successors, the Kassites…of ancient Uruk, to legitimize new rulers” (p.97). Written in Old Babylonian dialect of the Semitic Akkadian language, these narratives identified the history of a people with their king, and their wide circulation helped unify a kingdom. To briefly summarize The Epic of Gilgamesh, the narrator in the excerpt begins the story with an early ancient ruler of Uruk, Gilgamesh. Referred to as the supreme hero of Mesopotamian legend, two-thirds god, and one-third man. Not only was he a successful ruler, he was boastful and vain, as well as a courageous adventurer and a devoted friend to his companion Enkidu. The excerpt then illustrates Gilgamesh at an alehouse speaking to Siduri, an alewife, about the death of Enkidu, which originally had led him on his journey to find immortality. At first glance she is weary of him and cannot determine whether he is who he claims to be. So she asks, “Why are your cheeks wasted, your face dejected, your heart so wretched, your appearance worn out, and grief in your innermost being?” He explains to her that he has been in pain and grief from losing his companion, and has wept for a week. This is an occurring theme that should signify to the reader the connection between Gilgamesh’s grief and the fear of his own death. It is evident the death of Enkidu has stricken him with
Show More

Related Documents: Epic of Gilgamesh and Epic Essay

Epic Of Gilgamesh

Compare and contrast of “The Epic Of Gilgamesh” and “Noah And The Flood”. “The Epic Of Gilgamesh” was made in circa 2100 BC and is often regarded as the earliest surviving great work of literature written on clay tablets. “Noah And The Flood” Was written in genesis the old testament. “The Epic Of Gilgamesh” and “Noah And The Flood” is found to be very similarities at base but throughout the stories it is found to be quite different. The stories of “The Epic Of Gilgamesh” and “Noah And The Flood” have…

Words 287 - Pages 2

The Epic Of Gilgamesh Analysis

History through Literature: Analysis of Benjamin R. Foster's translation of The Epic of Gilgamesh INTRODUCTION The hero in the Epic of Gilgamesh, unlike heroes of Greek mythology, is based on a real king of Sumerian history who ruled over the city-state of Uruk, located in the Mesopotamian area. The epic of Gilgamesh is one of the earliest works of literature from early civilizations. There are many versions of the Epic that have surfaced but, the most common is the eleven tablet version, which is…

Words 2316 - Pages 10

Essay Epic of Gilgamesh

Title: Gilgamesh Type: Epic Author: Anonymous Theme: The central idea of Gilgamesh was the greed that he had to receive eternal life. Gilgamesh was a selfish person who was half god and half man and wanted to keep his youth after seeing Enkidu die. Gilgamesh knew his destiny was not to receive eternal life because he was half man. He decided to go against the odds to fight against not having eternal life searching for the secret despite what the Gods told him. Exposition: The story…

Words 968 - Pages 4

The Struggle In The Epic Of Gilgamesh

Stories have been passed around from every culture, and some epic tales stick more than others. The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of these stories. The Epic of Gilgamesh has not just been passed down from generation to generation, it is the oldest written story. Although this piece of literature is the ancient, it is relatable to people all around the world in modern society. The epic is about a powerful tyrant king named Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh was created by the gods with a perfect body, strength, and courage…

Words 1257 - Pages 6

Sacrifice In The Epic Of Gilgamesh

living our lives. These values were also relevant even as far back as when civilization first arose, illustrated in the Epic of Gilgamesh. There are also numerous values that are conveyed in the Epic of Gilgamesh that are innate in the Peddie School, but courage is most important out of all. Because these principles are so crucial for Peddie students and faculties, the Epic of Gilgamesh is a perfect read that depicts these important values. Although there are five main core values in…

Words 665 - Pages 3

Essay on Epic of Gilgamesh

Professor Pratt Mosaics 851 24 September 2012 Proposal: Talk Dirty to Me The Epic of Gilgamesh has many intriguing events that can be explored by analyzing the writing provided. Reading between the lines is the key tool to understanding the context of the poem. Each new stanza, whether it be repetitive or a fresh thought, comes at you with a new angle of explanation. If a thought or statement was unclear, as you continue to read, you are sure to catch the meaning in a different explanation further…

Words 673 - Pages 3

Gilgamesh As An Epic Hero

Throughout Gilgamesh, the reader can observe Gilgamesh and Enkidu as the epic hero and the foil character. In the epic, Gilgamesh is portrayed as a fearless hero who is eager to fight Humbaba. In contrast, Enkidu is depicted as a anxious sidekick, who quivered at the thought of fighting Humbaba. Gilgamesh declares to Enkidu “Why are you worried about death? Only the gods are immortal anyway, What men do is nothing, so fear is never justified. What happened to your power that once could challenge…

Words 371 - Pages 2

Gilgamesh As An Epic Hero

In The Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh is attributed to three main traits that define him as an epic hero: bravery, strength, and wisdom. Deeply affected by the sudden death of his best friend, Enkidu, Gilgamesh goes on a long and perilous journey to find the secret of immortality. Throughout his journey, Gilgamesh continuously displays bravery in facing all obstacles and proving his valor to the guardians of the gate. His determination to avoid death gives him the courage to reach his end goal of discovering…

Words 200 - Pages 1

The Epic Of Gilgamesh Analysis

in the pages of history lies the epic of Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh, who was the King of Urek, heard of a magical plant that would allow him to live forever. Gilgamesh determined to find this plant searched over treacherous rocky, rough mountains, crossed blistering, burning, barren deserts, but failed to find the powerful, perplexing plant. However one day while he was soaking his hot, dusty, tired feet in the cooling refreshing waters of the Euphrates River, Gilgamesh spotted a faint glow in the sea which…

Words 431 - Pages 2

The Gods In The Epic Of Gilgamesh

The Epic of Gilgamesh depicts the afterlife as a great equalizer. Everyone, from the lowest peasant to the most powerful king, must serve in the end. Even those who once directly served the gods, even “stood in the place of the gods,” now must deliver cooked meat and cold water. There doesn’t seem to be any inclination of heaven or hell, just one place for everyone. Instead, the real heaven is contained in your legend on Earth, and this lesson will be brought to light in the darkness of the underworld…

Words 334 - Pages 2