With such an interesting storyline and well developed characters, how could one not want to keep the Epic of Gilgamesh in circulation? But it was not just lore, it effectively taught the outlook of Sumerian culture and instilled morals. This epic brings a historical insight into how Gilgamesh lived and ruled through his actions as a king. The simple fact of its ability to teach, explain history, and outline religious beliefs remains a very practical tool for the Babylonians to use and pass down to future generations. There are many factors why the Epic of Gilgamesh became sacred literature.
One such reason why Gilgamesh has survived is due to its accurate account of the gods and the beliefs that made them so crucial to these ancient people. A fine example of this is shown in the line, “I am going to that country, O Shamash, I am going; my hands supplicate, so let
The Epic of Gilgamesh in itself is an incredible story. It holds so many of the ideals of the Sumerians, that it is such an effective way of showing those principles to others. I believe that since the story is entertaining and filled with mysterious characters, it is a wonderful way of spreading their culture. I also find it as a good source for their religious beliefs and their history as a civilization. From this story, I can compare their standards to those of my own or other religions. In my opinion, this epic is one of the most valuable stories and was considered the same by the Babylonians, hence making it a sacred text.