The Epic of Gilgamesh

I recently read The Epic of Gilgamesh, a story that predates Homer by 1500 years or more (Intro by NK Sandars in the Penguin Classics edition copyrighted 1972). The story was most likely a composite of decades, if not centuries, of oral storytelling which was finally written down (probably) first in Sumerian Cuneiform. Tablets were discovered in the mid 19th century and finally decoded within a few years. The world didn’t pay much attention, and hasn’t since. But the very fact that it was found in several buried cities that existed over 3500 years BCE tells us it was an important story then, and is often referred to as the very first literary work by mankind (so far discovered.) It also now represents bits and pieces from several sources that resulted in this version. Gilgamesh is an heroic figure, a giant man, powerful and “the man to whom all things were known” (Gilgamesh p 61, Penguin Edition) His power and wisdom was challenged by another giant of a man, Enkidu, who was raised in the wild but domesticated by a goddess. He was to challenge Gilgamesh and tried but failed. The two became close as brothers and the epic of their journey to kill evil begins. Enkidu dies and Gilgamesh sets out to discover eternal life, ultimately learning that man is not meant for that and will fail at seeking it so therefore, one should have joy in what being human is and live an honorable life.

One interesting fact is that the ‘flood story’ is referred to in the original tablets, a story either the same or like that found in the Biblical story of Noah. But of course, several ancient civilizations had a flood story of global proportions.

Ok, this is a poor telling, but I do hope those who read this look for the Penguin version, where the intro is almost as long as this short epic story. Finally, there may be more to be discovered and added to the text as archeology continues digging in ancient sites.