THE EPIC OF GILGAMESH

The Epic of Gilgamesh Explores Mysteries of Mankind Illuminates Understanding of the Human Condition on a Universal Level

The Work 12 Clay Tablets Written n Akkadian and Semitic Languages (Hebrew and Arabic) Found in all Languages Written in Cunnieform Story Evolved over 1000 years Story Vanished –Names of Cities and People Disappeared http://www.usfca.edu/westciv/Mesochro.htmld

Cunnieform Ancient Writing http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~dee/GLOSSARY/CUNEI.HTM http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/asbook03.html#Ancient%20Middle%20East

Example of Letter and Envelope

Example of Ancient Seal

Ishtar Places Her Right Foot on the Lion in This Cylindrical Seal

Map of Mesopotamia Modern Mesopotamia

Map of Ancient Mesopotamia                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Map of Ancient Mesopotamia Nippur is Sacred City of Enlil

Art and Music Harpist Pazuzu Demon Scorpion Man

The Epic of Gilgamesh Explores Issues Man’s Relationship to the Gods Man’s Relationship to Nature Man’s Relationship to Other Men

Themes in the Epic Friendship Quest for immortality Recognition Immortality f Art

Epic’s Prologue Emphasizes Wisdom Acquired in Life Monuments Erected Which Last For Centuries

Gilgamesh the God and Man Bad Ruler Arrogant Person Oppressive to His People Brutal to Friend and Foe

Enkidu Created by Gods as a Match for Gilgamesh Seduced by a Harlot Tamed by Civilization Possesses the Best of Man and Beast Suffers and Dies for the Sins of Gilgamesh (rejection of Ishtar)

First Adventure Slay Humbaba Giant of Cedar Forest of the Living

Second Adventure Gilgamesh Rejects Ishtar Ishtar Sends Bull of Heaven Against People of Uruk Gilgamesh and Enkidu Destroy It Enkidu Dies a Painful, Slow, Pathetic Death

Enkidu’s Death Awaken Gilgamesh Emptiness of Mortality in Spite of Worldly Fame Search for immortality

Discovery Secrets of Immortality from Utnapishtim Flood Story Universal Story

Journey Pass Fierce Lions Who Guard Path

Epic Adventures Tunnel Brings Him to a Garden of Paradise Dangerous Voyage to Dilmun Hears Utnapishtim’s Story Fails Test of Potential Immortality

Fails 2 Tests of Potential Immortals Can’t Remain Awake for 6 Days and 7 Nights Loses Plant of Immortality to the Serpent

Return to Uruk Empty Handed Knows His Wordly Endeavors Will Endure Has Become Wiser

What Does the Story Mean To Us How Did the Ancient People of Mesopotamia Live? What Experiences Related Through the Story are Similar to Experiences of Man Today? What Role Does God Play in the Attitudes, Values and Beliefs of the People of Ancient Uruk?