“The Epic of Gilgamesh” Believed to be the OLDEST written story.

Early Writing Cuneiform: Wedge-shaped signs on clay tablets. Found in Mesopotamia (Modern Iraq) “Between Rivers” (b/w Tigris & Euphrates) Written by Sumerians (who developed writing) Sumer was a civilization and historical region in southern Mesopotamia Egyptian Hieroglyphics: Carvings on temple walls. “Gilgamesh” was written in Cuneiform. Polytheism: Belief in many gods. Ziggurat: Platform holding temples for gods.

The Epic Epic: A story centered on heroic characters; the action takes place on a grand scale. Oral Characteristics: 1. Hero-Quest 2. Quest-Obstacles 3. Supernatural Element 4. Resurrection of Hero

Epic Hero Is always male. Is larger than life, but human. Is rewarded spiritually in death. Epic Poems are long narrative poems that detail the adventure or journey of a hero.

Epic Conventions Invocation- petition muse/gods; intro. subject Epic Question- find cause of main action Homeric Simile- fully developed comparison Epithet - Word or phrase applied to a person or thing to reflect its quality: “rosy-fingered dawn”; “swift-footed Achilles” Confrontation “in media res”: begin in middle of action Combat **Journey is the key element in the Epic Cycle.

The Story Gilgamesh, KING OF URUK B.C. Unninni, 1500 B.C. “Story of Flood”, 1872, source for Noah story Multiple translations

The Sexual Aspect Gilgamesh has “enormous sexual vigor” and is never satisfied. Enkidu is created to “equalize” him. Enkidu is “undone” by sex. Loses innocence. Gilgamesh & young brides. Sexual vigor was important to epic heroes. During the Greek & Roman era, it was the vigor, not the gender, that was important. Believed that this world is the only world and that sex connects people. Enkidu– “a bridegroom”; “long hair like a woman’s”; “you will love him as a woman and he will never forsake you” (Ninsun’s dream)…

Themes The compulsion in people to feel incomplete until joined with another (a theme we will see again!). Sex alone is not satisfying. True love is between equals. The sex vs. the bond Women unequal to men; equality only possible between two men.

Themes, cont. Immortality The search Physical vs. Abstract understanding of the term Utnapishtim: survives the flood (immortal) The plant & the serpant ***** Possible references in Bible.

Character List Gilgamesh Enkidu ShamhatUtnapishtim & Wife UrshanabiThe Hunter AnuAruruEa HumbabaScorpion Man SiduriTammuzEnlilEreshkigal IshtarLugulbandaNinsun Shamash

Epics Now that you have read the earliest written epic, you are ready to read the best surviving one…