3 Tablets from the Epic of Gilgamesh
The Epic of Gilgamesh was the first great work of world literature, written around 1200 BCE as a 3,000 line poem.
It tells the story of a legendary king, Gilgamesh who ruled the Babylonian city of Uruk.
Page Summary
The page provides links to read the English translation of the story, the historical relevance of the story, and an audiobook retelling of the story. There is a description of the discovery of the tablet in 18th century Iraq and later discoveries, such as the one in 2003, of additional tablets that add to or alter the story. The Epic of Gilgamesh has had a global impact on the way in which we view the origins of written language and literature.
(Submitted by Hannah Whalen, February 2023)
Overview
Read The Epic of Gilgamesh here
Gilgamesh from the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Overview of Origins, Rediscovery, and Summary of Gilgamesh here
Map & Timeline of the discovery of the Epic of Gilgamesh here
20 New Lines Discovered in Iraq, Adding New Details to the Story
Multimedia Resources
Crash Course on the Epic of Gilgamesh
This video shortly summarizes and than analyzes the themes present in the Epic of Gilgamesh
The Epic of Gilgamesh Complete Audiobook on YouTube
Listen to the Epic of Gilgamesh Read in Its Original Ancient Language, Akkadian
For an graphic novel version of this story, check out this book!
Multicultural Resources
Article on the Iraqi-Assyrian man who uncovered the Tablets, Hormuzd Rassam
The Epic of Gilgamesh tablet returned to its place of origin in Iraq.
- I chose to add this article explaining how the tablet was stolen from Iraq and has now been returned because it is important to expose the consequences of colonialism/imperialism that result in incidents such as this. The tablet was stolen from its country of origin, Iraq, during the gulf wars, and has since been returned. There are many reasons the Epic should remain in Iraq, but one is that the story originated in Iraq. Therefore, the historical context of the location is extremely important in putting together the pieces of the story (Hannah Whalen, February 2023)
Terracotta wall panel depicting Enkidu, Gilgamesh's friend
Teaching the Epic of Gilgamesh
Things to Consider When Reading the Epic from Washington State University
Discussion and Quiz Question for Students: What does the Epic of Gilgamesh tell us about the role of early storytelling?
A. That all early stories were written as nonfiction
B. Early Stories included a mix of nonfiction historical events and fictional embellishments
C. Early Stories are completely fictional with no historical accuracy
D. Early stories were exclusively written in English
Feedback for Answer: the correct answer is B because as historians have revealed there was actually a King Gilgamesh who ruled Babylon, but there are some aspects of the story that appear to be embellished and fictionalized, such as the demons.
Incorrect answers:
A. Is incorrect because there are fictional aspects of the Epic
C. is incorrect because we do know that there were certain characters and parts of the story that were historically accurate
D. is incorrect because the Epic was not originally written in English
Submitted by Hannah Whalen, February 2023
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