The Epic of Gilgamesh (written c. 2150-1400 BCE) begins with Gilgamesh, the Uruk king and Enkidu, a wild man created by the gods to stop the king from oppressing the people of Uruk. They became friend after an initial fight. In the second half of the epic, Gilgamesh's distress at Enkidu's death causes him to undertake a long and perilous journey to discover the secret of eternal life. His great building projects, his account of Siduri's advice, and what the immortal man Utnapishtim told him about the Great Flood, led Gilgamesh to overcome his death.
The epic of Gilgamesh concerns what happens after one dies, and how one should deal with grief when a friend dies. Moreover, a portion of the epic had close parallels to the Noah’s flood story, which were both likely to be derived from the common tradition of the flood that existed in Mesopotamia. It also shares similarity with the story of Garden of Eden.
The Epic of Gilgamesh is the great Sumerian/Babylonian poetic work which stands as the oldest piece of epic western literature and its significant influences included its impact on Homer’s epic poems, Iliad and Odyssey, and its relationship to the Hebrew Bible. It also suggested the form of government that existed in ancient Mesopotamia. Lastly, I think the Sumerian author of the epic might be originated from a higher social class in which he had the leisure time to write the epic.
SPICE
Political- political structure and forms of government: The king of Gilgamesh mentioned in the epic shows that ancient Mesopotamia adopted either the kingdom or city-states form of government in which the king dominated the realm.
Cultural- Religions and Arts: Various plots and themes in the epic, such as the Noah’s flood and Garden of Eden, were counterparts in the Hebrew Bible.
Social- Social and economic class: The creation of the epic suggested that some citizens had already been enjoying leisure time. Civilization must had reached the point in which the abundant agricultural production could support specialization.
Pic 1. Demonstrates the ruthless rule of Gilgamesh
Pic 2. Shows the king's great prowess as a rider
Pic 2. Shows the king's great prowess as a rider
Mark, J. J. (2010, October 13). Gilgamesh. Retrieved from http://www.ancient.eu/gilgamesh/
Picture source: www.exodusbooks.com & www.learner.org
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