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Learn the plot and themes of the ancient Mesopotamian epic poem about the king of Uruk and his quest for immortality. Read the chapter summaries, quotes, and analysis of the characters and symbols in this classic work of literature.
After Gilgamesh and Enkidu return victoriously to Uruk, Gilgamesh angers Ishtar when he refuses to become her lover and justifies it by outlining her treacherous treatment of past lovers. Ishtar sends the Bull of Heaven to punish Uruk for its king’s pride. Enkidu and Gilgamesh destroy the bull and offer its heart to Shamash.
- Tablet 1
- Tablet 2
- Tablets 3 and 4
- Tablet 5
- Tablet 6
- Tablet 7
The first tablet of The Epic of Gilgameshintroduces thetitular character. The narrator speaks of a powerful man of accomplishment.Larger and stronger than all other men, he builds and fortifies the city ofUruk, becoming its king. However, Gilgamesh is a cruel and arrogant ruler. His conceit is so oppressive that the city's people seek help from the...
Enkidu heads off to Uruk to confront Gilgamesh. He is particularly angeredby the king's practice of sleeping with brides on their wedding night. Enkiduand Gilgamesh meet in a fierce battle, with Gilgamesh as the victor. However,their fight ultimately leads to a deep friendship.
The following two tablets describe Gilgamesh and Enkidu's decision tojourney to the Cedar Forest and confront the monster Humbaba. Despite warningsfrom elders, Enkidu's misgivings, and dreams foretelling their doom, Gilgameshand Enkidu are determined to prove their bravery and head out from thecity.
The two heroes encounter Humbaba. Despite their initial fear and hesitation,Gilgamesh and Enkidu, with the assistance of the sun god Shamash, engage in afierce and prolonged fight with the monster. The god provides divine aid,empowering the heroes and ensuring their success. Eventually, Humbaba isdefeated, and Gilgamesh, urged on by Enkidu, decides...
The narrative shifts to the goddess Ishtar's romantic interest in Gilgamesh.Ishtar, the goddess of love and war, proposes marriage to Gilgamesh, seeing himas a desirable and powerful king. However, Gilgamesh rejects Ishtar's advances,listing the misfortunes that have befallen her previous lovers. Enraged and humiliated by the rejection, Ishtar seek...
Enkidu tells of a nightmare he has in which the gods decree his death.Gilgamesh takes this hard. He cries over the injustice of Enkidu's impendingdeath and his own survival. Enkidu soon falls gravely ill and experiencesintense suffering. As he approaches death, he reflects on the loss of hisformer wild self and curses the trap of civilization.
The Epic of Gilgamesh Summary. The story begins in Uruk, a city in Ancient Sumer (Mesopotamia) where Gilgamesh rules as king. Though Gilgamesh is known to be stronger than any other man, the people of Uruk complain that he abuses his power. The gods hear these complaints, and the god Aruru creates Enkidu, a man as strong as Gilgamesh.
The Epic of Gilgamesh (/ ˈɡɪlɡəmɛʃ /) [2] is an epic from ancient Mesopotamia. The literary history of Gilgamesh begins with five Sumerian poems about Gilgamesh (formerly read as Sumerian "Bilgames" [3]), king of Uruk, some of which may date back to the Third Dynasty of Ur (c. 2100 BC). [1]
- Aaron Shaffer, Herbert Mason, Jean Bottéro, Stephen Mitchell, Andrew George, Morris Jastrow, Albert ...
- 1999
Summary: Tablet 1. A prelude introduces us to the hero. Gilgamesh’s mother was the Lady Wildcow Ninsun, a minor goddess noted for her wisdom, and Lugulbanda was his father. Gilgamesh built the great city of Uruk and surrounded it with magnificent, intricately constructed outer and inner walls. He erected beautiful temples for Anu, the god of ...
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