The Epic of Gilgamesh

What is The Hero's Journey? A narrative where a hero and his or her journey is central to the plot The Hero usually goes out and achieves great deeds on behalf of a group, tribe, or civilization. This type of narrative appears in drama, storytelling, myth, religious ritual, and psychological development.

The Steps of the Hero's Journey I: Departure The call to adventure Refusal of the call Supernatural aid Crossing the first threshold The belly of the whale II: Initiation The road of trials Meeting with the Goddess Temptation away from the true path Atonement with the father Apotheosis The ultimate boon III: Return Refusal of the return The magic flight Rescue from without Crossing the return threshold Master of two worlds Freedom to live

Mesopotamia's Fertile Crescent

Ancient Mesopotamia Literally means “land between rivers”, is know as “The Cradle of Civilization” Located between the Tigress and Euphrates rivers in what is now modern-day Iraq Developed one of the first written languages Local religions had over twenty gods invented many technologies including metal and copper-working, irrigation and much more

Gilgamesh 1/3 human, 2/3 god Was created in the image of the gods Full of hubris and very charismatic King of the city state Uruk, is arrogant towards his people Thinks he is invincible, despite not being so

Enkidu Created by Aruru (goddess of creation) Supposed to beat Gilgamesh in a wrestling match, but he lost Is the voice of reason and logic Has a healthy fear of death, unlike Gilgamesh

Epic of Gilgamesh: Background Life in ancient Mesopotamia was difficult: Invaders Frequent floods Superstition and harsh gods Stories of god-like heros helped bolster the endurance of a harsh life The great journey of Gilgamesh served as a lesson of bravery to ancient people Gilgamesh was a wise and courageous king He build great temples and a wall around his city of a quality unmatched by any in the world His story was engraved in stone

Humbaba Guardian of the forest Created by Enlil Strong and fearsome giant Appears as mean, but is just misunderstood

The Battle with Humbaba Upon seeing Humbaba, Gilgamesh is terrified and calls for Shamash to aid him Shamash paralyzes Humababa with great winds causing him to surrender Humbaba tells Gilgamesh a story of woe to convince Gilgamesh to let him go. Gilgamesh is convinced, but Enkidu dismisses this as trickery and tells Gilgamesh to slay Humbaba like they came to do. Gilgamesh agrees, strikes Humbaba and Enkidu finishes him off.

The Death of Enkidu The gods, especially Enlil, are enraged at the death of Humbaba and decide to punish Enkidu, and as a result, Gilgamesh also. Enkidu develops a fever and begins to have prophetic dreams of his death. Enkidu tells Gilgamesh of the underworld and his destination in the house of dust, where there are kings of old. Within several days, Enkidu passes in his sleep.