**
Overview
The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the earliest surviving works of literature, dating back to ancient Mesopotamia around 2100 BC. It is a masterpiece of Sumerian literature, written in cuneiform script on clay tablets. The epic tells the story of Gilgamesh, a demigod king of Uruk, who ruled over the city of Uruk in Sumeria (modern-day Iraq). Gilgamesh was two-thirds god and one-third human, making him a powerful and wise ruler. However, he was also arrogant and tyrannical, oppressing his people and taking whatever he wanted.
The epic begins with the people of Uruk praying to the gods for relief from Gilgamesh's rule. The gods create a wild man named Enkidu, who is as strong as Gilgamesh, to challenge him. Enkidu and Gilgamesh fight, but eventually, they become friends and embark on a series of adventures together. One of their most famous quests is to slay the monster Humbaba, who guards the Cedar Forest. They also kill the Bull of Heaven, which the goddess Ishtar sends to punish Gilgamesh for spurning her advances.
History/Background
The Epic of Gilgamesh was written in several stages over a period of thousands of years. The oldest surviving version of the epic dates back to around 2100 BC, during the Old Babylonian period. This version was discovered in the ruins of the library of Ashurbanipal in Nineveh, Iraq. The epic was written in cuneiform script on clay tablets, which were later translated into various languages, including Akkadian and Hittite.
The epic underwent several revisions and expansions over the centuries, with different versions emerging in different regions of Mesopotamia. The most famous version of the epic was written by the Assyrian scribe Sin-liqe-unninni around 650 BC. This version is the one that has survived to the present day and is widely regarded as the definitive version of the epic.
Key Information
* Gilgamesh: The king of Uruk, who is the central character of the epic. He is two-thirds god and one-third human, making him a demigod.
* Enkidu: The wild man created by the gods to challenge Gilgamesh. He becomes Gilgamesh's friend and companion.
* Humbaba: The monster who guards the Cedar Forest. Gilgamesh and Enkidu slay him on their quest.
* Bull of Heaven: The monster sent by the goddess Ishtar to punish Gilgamesh for spurning her advances.
* Uruk: The city of Uruk, which is the capital of Gilgamesh's kingdom.
* Sumeria: The region of Mesopotamia where the epic was written.
* Cuneiform script: The writing system used to write the epic on clay tablets.
Significance
The Epic of Gilgamesh is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it is one of the earliest surviving works of literature, making it a valuable window into the culture and society of ancient Mesopotamia. Secondly, it is a masterpiece of storytelling, with a rich and complex narrative that explores themes of friendship, love, and the human condition. Finally, it has had a profound influence on literature and art throughout history, inspiring countless adaptations and interpretations.
INFOBOX:
- Name: The Epic of Gilgamesh
- Type: Epic poem
- Date: Around 2100 BC
- Location: Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq)
- Known For: Being one of the earliest surviving works of literature and a masterpiece of storytelling.
TAGS: Ancient Mesopotamia, Epic poetry, Gilgamesh, Enkidu, Humbaba, Bull of Heaven, Uruk, Sumeria, Cuneiform script, Literature, History, Culture, Society.
