The Epic of Gilgamesh
World's oldest surviving narrative literature, from ancient Mesopotamia.
The Epic of Gilgamesh is an epic from ancient Mesopotamia and the world's oldest surviving example of narrative literature. Its literary history begins with five Sumerian poems about Gilgamesh, king of Uruk, some of which may date back to the Third Dynasty of Ur (c. These independent stories were later used as source material for a combined epic in Akkadian.
- First surviving combined version
- 18th century BCE (Old Babylonian version)
- Standard Babylonian version compiled
- between 13th and 10th centuries BCE
- Language
- Sumerian and Akkadian
- Setting
- Uruk, Mesopotamia
- Key figures
- Gilgamesh, Enkidu, Utnapishtim
- Recovery began
- early 1850s (Library of Ashurbanipal)
Lore & Background
The epic's first part tells of Gilgamesh, king of Uruk, and Enkidu, a wild man created by the gods to stop Gilgamesh from oppressing his people. After Enkidu becomes civilized through sexual initiation with Shamhat, he travels to Uruk and challenges Gilgamesh to a test of strength. Gilgamesh wins, but they become friends. Together they journey to the Cedar Forest, slay its guardian Humbaba, and cut down the sacred cedar. The goddess Ishtar sends the Bull of Heaven to punish Gilgamesh for spurning her advances; Gilgamesh and Enkidu kill it, insulting Ishtar. The gods then sentence Enkidu to death by a fatal illness.
Reader's Guide
In the second part, distress over Enkidu's death drives Gilgamesh to seek eternal life. He meets Utnapishtim and his wife, the only humans to survive a flood triggered by the gods. Utnapishtim tells him that when the gods created man, they let death be his share, and life is withheld in their own hands. The epic is regarded as a foundational work in religion and the tradition of heroic sagas, with Gilgamesh forming a prototype for later heroes such as Heracles (Hercules) and influencing Homeric epics. It has been translated into many languages and appears in popular fiction. The epic remains incomplete, with about two-thirds of the 12-tablet Standard Babylonian version recovered. The discovery of artifacts associated with Enmebaragesi of Kish has lent credibility to the historical existence of Gilgamesh.
Did You Know?
- The Gilgamesh Dream Tablet was illegally imported into the United States in the early 2000s and returned to Iraq in September 2021.
- The central character was initially reintroduced to the world as 'Izdubar' before the cuneiform logographs could be pronounced accurately.
- Recent use of artificial intelligence software has vastly accelerated uncovering new fragments of the epic in museums worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Epic of Gilgamesh?
It is an ancient Mesopotamian narrative following Gilgamesh, the ruler of Uruk, through his adventures and grief. It holds the distinction of being the oldest surviving work of narrative literature in the world.
Who are the main characters in The Epic of Gilgamesh?
The story centers on Gilgamesh, his wild companion Enkidu, and Utnapishtim, a flood survivor who becomes Gilgamesh's guide on the quest for eternal life. These three figures anchor the epic's major plot arcs.
When was The Epic of Gilgamesh composed?
The earliest Sumerian poems about Gilgamesh may trace back to the Third Dynasty of Ur era, while the first unified Akkadian version dates to the 18th century BCE. The Standard Babylonian edition was assembled sometime between the 13th and 10th centuries BCE.
How does The Epic of Gilgamesh end?
After the death of Enkidu, Gilgamesh undertakes a desperate search for immortality, only to learn from Utnapishtim that eternal life is beyond a mortal's grasp. He returns to Uruk empty-handed, finding solace in the idea that his city's walls and his name will outlast him.
Why is The Epic of Gilgamesh important?
As the world's oldest surviving narrative text, it predates Homer's works by roughly a thousand years and offers a window into early Mesopotamian thought. Its exploration of friendship, loss, and the human fear of death continues to resonate with readers across cultures.
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