(855) 4-ESSAYS

Type a new keyword(s) and press Enter to search

The Epic of Gilgamesh

            
             In The Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh is two-thirds god one-third human. Obtaining these qualities make him larger then life. Gilgamesh is constantly viewed through the whole epic as a hero to everyone. He often takes journeys that prove his miraculous power and might to his people and the gods. Gilgamesh went to the end of all rivers for eternal life even though many warnings were given to him not to proceed. Gilgamesh took these dangers lightly because he knew he was superhuman and could proceed through struggles normal humans could not.
             As the epic is read many journeys reveal different areas or cities. Gilgamesh journeys to far away places like the forest of cedars. Later in the adventure he goes to the end of all rivers that is perceived to be far from the city of Uruk. The setting of The Epic of Gilgamesh covers all parts of the world from Gilgamesh's city, to a far of forest, to the end of the rivers in search of immortality.
             The epic also uses patronymics. When Enkidu is discovered in the forest the writer refers to his finder as "A trapper's son." .
             .
             Time and time again the gods play very large roles in the outcome of events. First of all, the sky-god Anu sends down Enkidu as asked by the people to be Gilgamesh's rival. Next Gilgamesh's mother prays to the sun-god Shamash to protect Gilgamesh and Enkidu in their journey to defeat Humbaba. Shamash returns the prayers by helping the duo in their battle. Another god is introduced after Gilgamesh returns from battle named Ishtar. Ishtar offers herself to Gilgamesh but he refuses leaving her aggravated. Ishtar plays a major role in the epic by sending the Bull of Heaven down upon the city of Uruk. The gods next are angered at the death of Humbaba and the death of the Bull of Heaven. They revenge at Enkidu by putting a illness upon him. This relates to the downfall of Gilgamesh to the point of where he doesn't shower, shave, or take care of himself.


Essays Related to The Epic of Gilgamesh

1. The Epic of Gilgamesh

The Epic of Gilgamesh Civilizations throught history have often used literature to express a variety of cultural values. One of the most ancient examples, The Epic of Gilgamesh, comes to us from four thousand years in the past. ... The Epic of Gilgamesh is thought to have begun as an oral tradition before the story was finally recorded. ... The religious beliefs of the Mesopotamian people were expressed in The Epic of Gilgamesh in a variety of ways. ... The Epic of Gilgamesh can be analyzed in may ways and is indeed a complex story. ...

  • Word Count: 1092
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Grade Level: High School

2. Epic of Gilgamesh

Epic of Gilgamesh The Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the oldest recorded works of literature in the world. This epic is about the renowned king of Uruk in Mesopotamia. ... There are several meanings in the Epic of Gilgamesh. ... The Epic of Gilgamesh was written in cuneiform on clay tablets. ... The tablets in which the Epic of Gilgamesh was written describe his tomb as being under the Euphrates River when it parted at the time of his death. ...

  • Word Count: 1439
  • Approx Pages: 6
  • Grade Level: High School

3. Mestopotamian Mythology and the Epic of Gilgamesh

This is a theme commonly found in Mesopotamian mythology, and a good example of this is the "Epic of Gilgamesh," in which, the protagonist, Gilgamesh, a demigod, is on a quest to attain immortality after the death of his friend Enkidu. ... Ut-napishtim tells Gilgamesh "Death is inevitable, both for Gilgamesh and for a fool " (Epic of Gilgamesh 144) through which he is hinting to Gilgamesh that he cannot attain what he's come in search of. ... " (Epic of Gilgamesh 149) He challenges Gilgamesh not to sleep for six days and seven nights, which Gilgamesh fails to fulfill. ... Sleep breathes o...

  • Word Count: 940
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Grade Level: High School

4. The Epic of Gilgamesh

Epic" is a Greek word applied to the two great narrative poems by Homer. When we apply it to other works, we imply that these other works have something important in common with the Homeric epics. ... Like Homer's poems, Gilgamesh also seems to be a central document of its culture. Unlike Homer's epics, Gilgamesh is a somewhat disconnected story: a collection of episodes in the career of the hero, rather than a single unified action. ... After an encounter with a prostitute, Enkidu loses his wildness, goes to Uruk, and wrestles with Gilgamesh. ...

  • Word Count: 236
  • Approx Pages: 1
  • Grade Level: High School

5. Friendship in The Epic of Gilgamesh

In The Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh and Enkidu relationship between them show that friendship, while strong, may not always be easy and can be quite complex for one or both of the parties involved. To fully understand the complexity of the epic, one must know the background of those involved. ... As we progress through the epic we are introduced to Enkidu. ... Throughout The Epic of Gilgamesh they was an evolutionary patterns of both characters. ... This epic is still being read till this day cause love is a motivating force....

  • Word Count: 855
  • Approx Pages: 3
  • Grade Level: High School

6. Friendship in The Epic of Gilgamesh

In The Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh and Enkidu relationship between them show that friendship, while strong, may not always be easy and can be quite complex for one or both of the parties involved. To fully understand the complexity of the epic, one must know the background of those involved. ... As we progress through the epic we are introduced to Enkidu. ... Throughout The Epic of Gilgamesh they was an evolutionary patterns of both characters. ... This epic is still being read till this day cause love is a motivating force....

  • Word Count: 855
  • Approx Pages: 3
  • Grade Level: High School

7. Recovering the Epic Of Gilgamesh

Give an account of the recovery of The Epic of Gilgamesh and discuss the problems presented by the fragmentary and alien nature of the sources? The Epic of Gilgamesh is the oldest written work to have survived into the modern era. ... During the 20th century with further discovery of cuneiform tablets, the complexity of the process of recovery of the Gilgamesh epic became more apparent. ... The next major translation of the Gilgamesh epic was produced in 1930 by Regan Campbell Thompson which included older tablets from the 2nd Millennium B.C. ... It is believed that only 2/3 of the Epic hav...

  • Word Count: 1420
  • Approx Pages: 6
  • Has Bibliography
  • Grade Level: Undergraduate

8. Friendship in Epic of Gilgamesh

The epic of Gilgamesh is the oldest Mesopotamian story. ... The epic of Gilgamesh covers a lot of fundamental and universal ideas. ... This powerful relationship carries the narrative throughout all the epic. ... Another big theme that is faced by the two main characters of the epic, is death. ... It is undoubtedly an epic poem that has to be read by everyone....

  • Word Count: 1084
  • Approx Pages: 4

9. The Power of Women in The Epic of Gilgamesh

"The Epic of Gilgamesh" an collection of old Sumerian poems, is filled with the dramatic interactions of gods and men, rulers and peasants, humans and beasts, and men and women. ... Working from the shadows, the female characters in "The Epic of Gilgamesh" create a story which shows the role of female dominance in the creation of a civilized and powerful Sumeria. ... In the Epic, the harlot comes from the temple, which further increases the feeling of divinity and allows for the understanding of women as representative of civility. ... The Epic of Gilgamesh takes place in ancient Mesopotamia...

  • Word Count: 1389
  • Approx Pages: 6
  • Grade Level: Undergraduate

10. Scripture and the Epic of Gilgamesh

The story of Gilgamesh seems to have many similarities with the Holy Bible. ... In "The Epic of Gilgamesh " it states that Gilgamesh was weeping bitterly for Enkidu, his friend, as he roamed the steppe. ... Gilgamesh realizes that he would die just as his friend Enkidu did. ... When I started reading The Epic of Gilgamesh I was not expecting to find any similarity between it and the Holy Bible. ... It hath been already of old time, which was before us. " (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10) The same similarities found between The Epic of Gilgamesh and the Bible are the same things we are facing today. ...

  • Word Count: 778
  • Approx Pages: 3
  • Grade Level: High School

Got a writing question? Ask our professional writer!
Submit My Question