argumentative essay on the epic of gilgamesh

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The Epic Of Gilgamesh Argumentative Essay Example

Type of paper: Argumentative Essay

Topic: Poetry , Poem , Animals , World , Friendship , Gilgamesh , Nature , Literature

Words: 1200

Published: 12/31/2019

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The plot of The Epic of Gilgamesh deals a lot with the world of nature. Considering the fact that Enkidu, the best friend and companion of the main character, was created as a wild man and lived in the forest before encountering Gilgamesh, it seems especially interesting to speculate on the question of how the natural world was presented in this epic poem. In the beginning of the poem when the reader comes across the first mention of Enkidu, one may notice that the author opposes the ingenuousness of Enkidu to the habits and actions of Gilgamish who belongs to the civilized people. The latter one is described as a tyrannical ruler, who is prone to voluptuousness while he demands the privilege of sleeping with brides of his people. He is a willful despot who can order his people to build walls and then let the walls decay, despite all the hard work which his people put into them. However, the ruler was the ruler and civilized people could only wish for changes and continue to bear their king’s whims. On the contrary, Enkidu was made as an opposition to Gilgamesh. He was supposed to possess something that Gilgamesh lacked but to be equal with him in strength in order to bring into his soul something that would make him better. The following entreaty regarding the creation of Enkidu was made to the goddess Aruru: “Let him be a match for the storm in his heart, let them vie with each other so Uruk may be rested!”(George, 5). Enkidu used to run with the animals that had no fear of him and to free them from traps. While Gilgamesh and Enkidu are contrasted in this part of the poem and the king of Uruk is represented in rather an unfavorable light it feels like the nature to which Enkidu obviously belongs provides freedom of soul which civilized people lack. Therefore the attitude towards the nature is positive from the very beginning of the poem. As soon as one encounters Enkidu on the pages of the book, he or she is immediately left with the impression that Enkidu, despite he is simply a savage who must be infinitely less clever than the king of Uruk, due to his simplicity and closeness to the nature possesses something good that Gilgamesh lacks.

When the prostitute whom Gilgamesh had sent to sleep with Enkidu walked him to Uruk and people first saw Enkidu, no one of them felt despise or superiority towards the savage. It might have happened though if general attitude towards nature in the poem was different. It is impossible to imagine that a man who lived with animals and knows nothing about customs and habits of civilized people would be greeted as equal in the modern world. Of course the society of the times that were described in the poems was way simpler than ours, so Enkidu did not have to know the achievements of science or technological progress to be considered equal by other people. Still, habits and customs are not less important and if natural world was thought to be something simple and a man was referred to in people’s minds as the king of the animals Enkidu would likely receive public scorn due to his way of life. But this did not happen. In fact as he entered Uruk people even compared him to their king, saying that Enkidu looked like Gilgamesh but was shorter and stronger. They decided that “He was born in the uplands, animals’ milk is what he was suckled on” (George, 15). The fact that the way of life Enkidu had led before coming to Uruk was not supposed to be something shameful and did not prevent the people of Uruk to have seen their king’s equal in him proves that the people in this poem felt a lot of regard towards the world of nature.

It was mentioned though that Enkidu and Gilgamesh were killing beasts, bears and tigers through their journey as they faced them. Still in the world of nature animals kill each other as well in order to survive. Therefore the fact that the main characters of the poem were killing some of the nature’s children does not prove that they lived in disharmony with nature or did not respect the wild world. Quite the opposite they acted like those who belonged there, taking a fight in order to defend themselves, not killing for their amusement. In the final speech in honor of his deceased friend Enkidu that Gilgamesh gave in front of the counselors of Uruk, he referred to Enkidu as to the son of the wild ass and the gazelle. It is hardly possible that he would mention that if he thought Enkidu’s origin and the life that he had led in woods before encountering Gilgamesh to be something shameful. A man in his situation, who was weeping for his friend and companion, would say only the best things about the deceased comrade. In this speech Gilgamesh referred to Enkidu as to his brother. If the king names someone like Enkidu to be his brother, it means that he does not mind a consequential relation to the world of animals. Being the “son of wild ass and the gazelle” Enkidu seemed to have been fully acknowledged as someone who was a part of the natural world, not civilized society. Taking into account that Enkidu was supposed to have been created as Gilgamesh’s second self it proves that those who wrote this poem gave a lot of credit to a human’s bond with nature, hinting that everyone should possess a part of Enkidu in his or her heart to become a full human.

Considering all the before mentioned it may be supposed that he poem reflected rather rural values than the urban ones. When Gilgamesh lived in the town and ruled his people he did not show the best qualities of man. He was a despot who was used to comfort which the king naturally received and the obedience of his folk. It was the journey with Enkidu, when he had only his friend by his side while travelling through forests and lands full of wild animals that finally made him human. Therefore the safe civilized town is contraposed to the experiences provided by the life in the wild that man should live through.

The Epic of Gilgamesh referred to the natural world with high regard and respect and it is no wonder that it was so, taking into account the time when it was created. The first version of it dates to the 18th century BC. People of that time must have had much stronger a bond with nature than modern people. A part of wild which Enkidu possessed was destined to complete Gilgamesh, to teach him how to feel what a human must feel and to develop worthy values in his soul.

Works Cited

George, Andrew. The Epic of Gilgamesh. London: Penguin Books Ltd., 2000. Print

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Epic of Gilgamesh

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114 Epic of Gilgamesh Essay Topics & Examples

If you’re writing a Gilgamesh essay , you can explore the themes of love and death for numerous pages. Our experts collected topics and examples that will help you analyze the epic and its characters.

🏆 Best Gilgamesh Essay Topics & Examples

📃 simple & easy gilgamesh essay topics, 💡 interesting topics to write about gilgamesh, ❓ gilgamesh essay questions.

• Gilgamesh: The Hero’s Journey by Joseph Campbell (The Monomyth) For instance, the separation stage encompasses a “call to adventure, refusal to heed the call, and a crossing of the first threshold”. The last part of a hero’s journey according to Campbell is the Hero’s […]
• Gilgamesh Compared to Modern Day Hero: Similarities and Differences The characters from The Epic of Gilgamesh help to realize a true essence of heroism as a concept and accept heroes as ordinary people, who are able to develop good relations, set goals, and be […]
• Importance of Dreams in the Epic of Gilgamesh The prophetic dreams that both Gilgamesh and Enkidu have are used to show the weaknesses of man in front of destiny.
• Gilgamesh: Significance of the Literature of That Period of Time The significance of Gilgamesh is evident indeed due to the variety of factors: this work is still regarded as one of the earliest literary works that are known to the reader, this is a captivating […]
• Comparison Between the Serpent in the Old Testament and in Gilgamesh The serpent is responsible for Gilgamesh not getting everlasting life in the same way that the serpent in the Bible led Adam and Eve to lose a chance at eternal life.
• Gilgamesh and Enkidu Friendship Essay The role of friendship in the Epic of Gilgamesh is vital. This essay unfolds the theme of friendship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu that develops in the course of the story.
• “The Epic of Gilgamesh” and “The Bhagavad Gita” Comparison In the epic of Gilgamesh, it is indicated that there was a ruler who ruled the land of Samaria very many years ago.
• The Epic of Gilgamesh: The Death and the Afterlife The main purpose of the Gilgamesh myth is to illustrate the weakness of man in the face of destiny. By the time this dream appears in the story, the reader is already aware Enkidu is […]
• What Is the Nature of the Gods in the “Epic of Gilgamesh”? In The Epic of Gilgamesh, gods have unbelievable connection to people: people get a chance to learn something from gods, and gods can easily analyze the nature of people and use their values in for […]
• The Literary Function of Dreams in the Epic of Gilgamesh These dreams greatly influence the plot of the narrative since the characters perceived that the deities sent the dreams, they needed interpretation because they had a unique revelation, and were able to foretell the future.
• The Flood in The Epic of Gilgamesh: The Secret Through the Story of the Flood Gilgamesh asks Utanapishtim to narrate the story of his fate, and Utanapishtim reveals the secret behind his fate through the story of the flood.
• Gilgamesh and Odysseus Comparison as a Heroes This myth is priceless for the researchers of Mesopotamian culture since it mirrors the religious traditions of that period, the treatment of gods, the perception of a hero, and attitudes to friendship and death.
• The Epic of Gilgamesh and the Ancient Egyptian Culture The Epic of Gilgamesh and the culture of the ancient Egypt have their own similarities and differences based on the historical events that took place in this cultures and the religious beliefs of the two […]
• The Importance of Friendship in “The Epic of Gilgamesh” At the beginning of the story, Gilgamesh, the king of the Sumerian city of Uruk, despite achievements in the development of the town, causes the dislike of his subjects.
• “Bhagavad-Gita”, “The Odyssey” and “The Epic of Gilgamesh”: Contrast and Comparison The sole aim of all the religions is to make the people realize the value of life and to make the most of the same but doing holy acts and by not indulging in undesirable […]
• The Epic of Gilgamesh Enkidu, another man who is also depicted in the Epic of Gilgamesh as having a power in terms of how he treated his companions, meets King Gilgamesh in some of the scenes in the epic […]
• ‘The Epic of Gilgamesh’ – From Sumerian Tablets to Modern Insights Turning to Gilgamesh’s outward metamorphosis, he was selfish and arrogant at the beginning of the epic, convinced of his exceptionality and ultimacy of judgment.
• Post-Colonial Theory in “The Epic of Gilgamesh” and “The Tempest” In “The Epic of Gilgamesh”, the main character is shown to be sure of his own strength and righteousness of feelings and thoughts.
• “The Epic of Gilgamesh” a Story by Maureen Kovacs The fact that Gilgamesh is ready to die for the sake of his people, also shows that he is selfless, a character of a true hero.
• Discussion of “The Epic of Gilgamesh” Enkidu’s journeys to Gilgamesh and Uruk, his trek with Gilgamesh to the Forest, and the journeys to the underworld are examples of only a few of these major events.
• “The Epic of Gilgamesh” by Ryan Gibbs He will have you lie on a grand couch, and will have you lie in the seat of ease, the seat at his left, so that the princes of the world kiss your feet.
• The Impact of Friendship in the Epic of Gilgamesh The elusive coalition between Enkidu and Gilgamesh, their fateful destinies and eventual epiphanies broaden the societal apprehension of the elements/value of friendship as expounded in the next discussion.
• The Epic of Gilgamesh and the Hebrew Bible The Epic of Gilgamesh and the Hebrew Bible illustrate the origin of the world and the coexistence between mortals and gods.
• Death in The Epic of Gilgamesh and Egyptian Book of the Dead The Epic of Gilgamesh is the most famous work of Babylonian literature, in which the everlasting question of life’s purpose and the inevitability of human death is posed.
• Women in The Odyssey and The Epic of Gilgamesh In particular, the women’s power in the story was shown in their ability to influence significantly men, who were depicted as the wisest and most powerful beings.
• The Poems “The Song of Roland,” “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” and “The Odyssey” The emphasis on bravery and dignity in Roland represents a stark contrast to the characters of Odysseus and Gilgamesh. Therefore, Roland as a character is vital in the evolution of heroic characters in epic narratives.
• “The Epic of Gilgamesh” and COVID-19 Pandemic The article chosen for this analysis was written by Zhu & Zheng and focuses on the connection between the Epic of Gilgamesh and the COVID-19 Pandemic.
• Main Character and Idea of “The Epic of Gilgamesh” As stated, the main character of this story is the King of Uruk, who now serves as a reminder that in the early times, humans used to feel the same as we did.
• Quote Explanation From “The Epic of Gilgamesh” This is the task worthy of a hero because, in order to acquire the previous cedar logs for the monument, the characters would have to travel to the faraway forest guarded by the dreaded giant […]
• Deception in King Lear, The Odyssey and Gilgamesh The forms of deception in the book seem to come effortlessly to Odysseus, and the stories he tells throughout the book serve to protect him and his family.
• Heroism and the Spirit of Adventure: The Odyssey and Gilgamesh Interpretation In fact, the ancient epic is famous nowadays mainly due to the fact that some of the works are considered as the first official mentioning of a hero.
• The Role of Women in Great Epic Works: “The Odyssey” and “Gilgamesh” To summarize the influence of both women on Gilgamesh, it is possible to cite Kelley to describe Gilgamesh’s advice to him during one of the toughest period of the epic: When the gods created man, […]
• Heroes’ Noble Intentions in Epic Poems: Sundiata, Beowulf and Gilgamesh The monster was killed, and later Beowulf had to protect his people from the vengeful mother of the beast, although even the hero’s original sword refused to harm a woman.
• Humans & Gods: Gilgamesh, Genesis, The Iliad, Nicomachean Ethics The narrative in the book of Genesis is constructed to depict that God created the society of people. It is seen in multiple appeals of the characters in the legend to gods.
• Gilgamesh, The Iliad and Aeneid: On the Similarities in the Works In contrast, the villains are made to capture the fears, and challenges of the societies represented by these epics. The import of these three epics lies in their historicism.
• Quest in “The Epic of Gilgamesh” To a great extent, the Epic of Gilgamesh illustrates the self-discovery and moral transformation of the protagonist who cannot accept the brevity of his life.
• Critical Reading of Gilgamesh and Ecclesiastes This is to teach the reader to appreciate the life they have and prepare for the inevitability of death. Gilgamesh struggles to understand that, even as a king, he will need to face the fact […]
• The Character of Gilgamesh in His Quest for Immortality The main character’s quest for immortality is analyzed through his way of life, the predetermined impossibility of achieving immortality, his journey to Uta-Napishtim, some of the challenges he has to pass to reach his aim, […]
• The Theme of Tyranny in “Pedro Paramo” by Rulfo and “Gilgamesh” by Mason The usage of magic facilitates the understanding of the real world through its separation from illusive pictures. In his novel, the total deconstruction of political power is observed.
• Dream Symbolism, Epic of Gilgamesh and Sigmund Freud Considering any similarity among the three given theories, it is can be seen that ‘Dream Symbolism’ and ‘Sigmund Freud’ are very similar in the sense that in both of them the main subject is wouldream’.
• The Mythical Villains: Gilgamesh, Ravana and Oedipus Thus, the myth is one of the literary genre which helped ancient people to understand and explain the structure and natural phenomena of the world, environment, people and other creatures around, the origins of everything […]
• The Epic of Gilgamesh: The Story of the Flood Gilgamesh is portrayed as a strong, bold and cruel king of Uruk in the beginning. Arjuna, the central character of the epic Mahabharatha is a man of strength, wisdom and who adheres to his duties.
• The Flood in the Bible and The Epic of Gilgamesh The flood stories in the Babylonian text ‘The Epic of Gilgamesh, Tablet XI’ and the Hebrew text ‘Genesis 6-9’ have been targets of international attention due to a controversy created by enemies of Christianity, namely, […]
• Epic of Gilgamesh: An Analysis of the Main Character 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.
• Violence in the “Epic of Gilgamesh” and “The Summoning of Every-Man”. It is interesting to note that while Gilgamesh relish in the use of violence Every-Man depicts violence in a different light.
• Gilgamesh and Oedipus the King In the case of Enkidu, he uses his strength to undermine all those going against his will and he is not putting in mind what the results will be to other in the society.
• Gilgamesh Epic: The Life of a God-Man Both the Eden story and the Flood Story have clear counterparts in the Gilgamesh epic, whose restless hero also has his parallel in Odysseus of the Iliad, even as Gilgamesh fated friendship with Enkidu can […]
• Gilgamesh’s and Joseph’s Dreams Comparison Review The functions of dreams in both works are studied by the researcher, their significance is underlined, differences and parallels between the usage of dreams in both works are established, the enduring values that the works […]
• “When the Light Came On: The Epic of Gilgamesh” by Jarman In this passage, the author urges the readers to regard The Epic of Gilgamesh as a source that can illustrate the worldviews and values of the Mesopotamians.
• Medea and the Epic of Gilgamesh Works Evaluating the murder of the children, the conclusion can be drawn that the females were thought to give the life and take it back.
• Comparing Stylistic Features of “Epic of Gilgamesh”, “The Iliad”, “One Thousand and One Nights” In the “Epic of Gilgamesh” Ninsun serves as a mother figure; she is devoted to her son Gilgamesh and is ready to help him in his endeavors.
• Exile of Gilgamesh and Shakespeare’s Prospero The authors of these famous texts show in detail how the main characters Gilgamesh and Prospero struggle with the sense of alienation because of their exile, but overcoming this challenging experience, the characters develop their […]
• “The Epic of Gilgamesh” in Art Interpretation It is imperative to mention that the analysis of ancient works is incredibly important because it enhances the understanding of the traditions and values of the people.”The Epic of Gilgamesh” is regarded as one of […]
• “The Epic of Gilgamesh” and “The Death of Ivan Ilyich” From both stories, it is evident that the journey of life requires people to be sympathetic and interact with each other.
• Hero in “The Odysseus” and “The Epic of Gilgamesh” This paper explores the differences and similarities between the heroes of the ancient epics such as “The Odyssey” by Homer and “The Epic of Gilgamesh” the product of the culture of ancient Mesopotamia.
• Relationships in The Epic of Gilgamesh In the story of Gilgamesh, Enkidu helps the wild animals to escape traps set by people. In Catullus, the narrator shows that toiling in further lands to gain profit is worthless if it is not […]
• Epic Poems: “The Epic of Gilgamesh”, “The Iliad”, and “One Thousand and One Nights” On the other hand, in the epic poem “The Iliad” the author is concerned with the heroic exploits of Achilles in the contexts of death and immortality.
• “Epic of Gilgamesh” – Characters Comparison The characters of Enkidu and Gilgamesh, and in fact, all the characters of this poem, are not notable for logical or reasonable behavior that makes sense to modern readers.
• Literature: Things Fall Apart and The Epic of Gilgamesh The two are internally affected by the struggle between the forces longing for change and those advocating for the restoration of the status quo.
• The “Epic of Gilgamesh” and Mesopotamia Another instance in the epic, which portrays women as sexual objects, is the use of the women as sex tools in the temple. Women in Mesopotamian society had the duty of brewing wine for men […]
• Mythological Story of Gilgamesh Connecting the Story to the Bible: Where the Narrations Cross Being listed among the earliest specimen of the ancient literature, The epic of Gilgamesh bears a certain resemblance to another ancient book, which is the […]
• The Epic of Gilgamesh by Sumerians This paper creates a critical analysis of The Epic of Gilgamesh by specifically discussing Gilgamesh’s place in society, the justification of his societal position and his rights and obligations.
• Cardinal Virtues in The Epic of Gilgamesh The Epic of Gilgamesh enables the reader to identify the cardinal virtues that could be valued in the ancient world. The author of this poem highlights the importance of fortitude through the words of Enkidu […]
• “The Epic of Gilgamesh” and “The Tempest” Analysis The Epic of Gilgamesh and The Tempest are two masterpieces, which reflect the life of people who lived in the times when the works were created.
• Philosophy & Literature: Mythology Through Gilgamesh At the beginning of the myth, Gilgamesh decides to conquer the jungle’s beast, Humbaba. The myth of Gilgamesh is a well-known literary piece.
• The Comparison of Gilgamesh and Odysseus This paper is aimed at discussing the journeys undertaken by the main characters; in particular one should focus on their motives of the protagonists and the way in which both Gilgamesh and Odysseus were transformed […]
• Homeric Heroes: Ulysses and Gilgamesh Then they would talk about their encounters with gods, Ulysses would tell how he met the god of the sea and how he was able to interact with him.
• Meaning of Gilgamesh’s Quest After Enkidu’s death and the loss of the magic plan of the rejuvenation walls, Gilgamesh is reduced to a humble and introverted seeker.
• Interior Monologue for Gilgamesh Yes, that one there, pick it up and use it to wade through the waters Remember to be cautious enough, and let not your hand pass over the waters of death Yes that is okay, […]
• Epiphany of a Character From Assigned Readings Enkidu is Gilgamesh’s closest friend and just before his death, “he has a revelation on the punishment he and Gilgamesh are to undergo after their death.
• The Driving Force of Plot in Medea by Euripides, Othello by William Shakespeare, and the Epic of Gilgamesh Reading Medea by Euripides, Othello by William Shakespeare, and The Epic of Gilgamesh it becomes obvious that the driving force of plot is heroism, however, the nature of that heroism is different that may be […]
• Greek/Roman Humanities: Epic of Gilgamesh and The Odyssey The earliest works of fiction included the work of fiction the Epic of Gilgamesh that dates from the beginnings of civilization in Mesopotamia and Homer’s Odyssey, greatest ancient works of literature attributed to Homer.
• The Epic of Gilgamesh Poem Analysis Whence, the lamentation of his subjects and the appearance of Enkidu form the basis of the transformation of Gilgamesh especially his character.
• Epic of Gilgamesh The aim of the mythic expedition of the male protagonist is to discover special understanding which will re-establish steadiness to him and the entire society.
• The Epic of Gilgamesh Analysis In the story, Enkidu who was created to be wild is meant to counteract the oppression of King Gilgamesh on the inhabitants of the Uruk territory.
• The Story of Gilgamesh in Sumerian Versions The story talks about the powers of Gilgamesh who was the King of Uruk and the influence of other gods in the land.
• “What Is the Meaning of Life?” in the Works of Gilgamesh and Agamemnon Trying to answer the question ‘what is the meaning of life?’ has been one of the hardest tasks for humanity. One readily gets attempted to ask the question, ‘is life meant to have a bitter […]
• The Gain of Consciousness in the “Epic of Gilgamesh” After killing Humbaba in the forbidden forest of cedars, Gilgamesh and Enkidu returns home to find Ishtar, the goddess of love full of lust for Gilgamesh.
• What Assumptions Can You Make About the Ancient Babylonians Based on Your Reading of the “Epic of Gilgamesh”?
• How Has Gilgamesh Changed?
• What Does the Friendship Between Gilgamesh and Enkidu Tell You About the Character of Both Men?
• How Does Enkidu Represent an Undiscovered Side of Gilgamesh?
• What Do the Selections From the “Epic of Gilgamesh” Tell Us About the Society That Produced It?
• What Makes a Person Heroic? Is Gilgamesh a Hero?
• What Is Gilgamesh Like at the Beginning of the Story? How Does Enkidu Change Gilgamesh?
• What Does Gilgamesh Learn About Death and Immortality From Utnapishtim?
• What Does Gilgamesh Search for in His Life and Why?
• How Are Cultural Values Conveyed Through the Narrative Structure of the “Epic of Gilgamesh”?
• What Are the Similarities Between Genesis and the “Epic of Gilgamesh”?
• Who Faced Greater Challenges: Achilles or Gilgamesh?
• What Traits Have Beowulf and Gilgamesh in Common?
• Who Was the Greater Hero – Gilgamesh or Enkidu?
• What Do Enkidu’s Curse and Then His Blessing of the Prostitute Suggest About the Lot of Women in Ancient Mesopotamia in the “Epic of Gilgamesh”?
• Why Does Utnapishtim Tell Urshanabi That He Is No Longer Welcome in His Realm in the “Epic of Gilgamesh”?
• What Does the Story of Enkidu’s Education by the Prostitute Tell Us About Mesopotamian Views of Culture and Civilization in the “Epic of Gilgamesh”?
• Why Is Gilgamesh an Epic Hero?
• What Is the Significance of Gilgamesh’s Passage Through the Darkness Beneath the Twin-Peaked Mountain?
• Is Gilgamesh a Virtuous Character?
• 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?
• Is Gilgamesh a Man of Action or a Man of Contemplation?
• What Does Humbaba/Huwawa Represent in the “Epic of Gilgamesh”?
• Which Line of Gilgamesh’s Lament Expresses His True Emotion Over the Loss of Enkidu?
• What Is the Significance of the Darkness That Gilgamesh Encounters in the Passage Beneath Mount Mashu on His Way to Seek Utnapishtim?
• What Are Women’s Strength and Their Roles in the “Epic of Gilgamesh”?
• What Is the Importance of Friendship in the “Epic of Gilgamesh”?
• What Was a Cause of Stance Loss in Battles of Gilgamesh?
• What Are Gilgamesh’s Character Traits, Strengths, and Weaknesses? What Are Enkidu’s?
• What Is the Ultimate Message of “Epic of Gilgamesh”?
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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

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Epic of Gilgamesh — Review The Epic Of Gilgamesh

Review The Epic of Gilgamesh

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Published: Jan 28, 2021

Words: 750 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Table of contents

The theme of mortality and human existence in "the epic of gilgamesh", works cited.

• George, A. R. (2003). The Babylonian Gilgamesh epic: Introduction, critical edition and cuneiform texts (Vol. 1). Oxford University Press.
• Grayson, A. K. (2004). The epic of Gilgamesh (Vol. 1). Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers.
• Kovacs, M. (1989). The epic of Gilgamesh. Stanford University Press.
• Leick, G. (2002). Mesopotamia: The invention of the city. Penguin.
• Leick, G. (2003). The Babylonians: An introduction. Routledge.
• Livingstone, A. (2012). Mystical and mythological explanatory works of Assyrian and Babylonian scholars. In H. F. J. Horstmanshoff, H. King, & C. N. van der Veer (Eds.), Medicine and religion in antiquity (pp. 371-392). Brill.
• Mitchell, S. (2006). Gilgamesh: A new English version. Simon & Schuster.
• Parpola, S. (2004). Letters from Assyrian and Babylonian scholars (Vol. 10). Eisenbrauns.
• Sanders, N. K. (2003). The epic of Gilgamesh: The babylonian epic poem and other texts in Akkadian and Sumerian. Penguin UK.
• Sandars, N. K. (1960). The epic of Gilgamesh. Penguin.

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