Lecture Notes: Storytelling and the Epic of Gilgamesh

Introduction

• Storytelling is often viewed as a core aspect of humanity.
• Tales link us through history, with some stories surviving for thousands of years.

Ancient Stories and Myths

• The Pleiades Myths:
  • Known as "The Seven Sisters," only six stars are visible, but myths speak of a missing seventh.
  • Historically, all seven stars were visible 100,000 years ago.
• Australian Aboriginal Myths:
  • Warnings of now-extinct megafauna such as the Diprotodon.
  • Rock art depicts extinct creatures like marsupial lions.

Story Evolution

• Like biological evolution, stories change over time.
• Searching for an "original" is often impossible; many stories are fragmented.
• Historical events sometimes link to myths but are often lost over time.

The Epic of Gilgamesh

• Discovery:
  • Found in the 19th century; oldest known literary work.
  • Broken pottery indicated a coherent narrative when translated.
  • No complete version, but pieces are constantly discovered.
• History:
  • Originated from Sumerian stories about Gilgamesh, known as "Bilgames."
  • Formalized by Sin-lique-unninni between 13th and 11th century BCE.

Story Summary

• Beginning:
  • Gilgamesh, king of Uruk, is two-thirds god but abuses his power.
  • The gods create Enkidu, a wild man, to challenge Gilgamesh.
• Enkidu and Gilgamesh:
  • Enkidu learns human ways through Shamhat, a prostitute.
  • Enkidu challenges Gilgamesh; they fight, then become friends.
• Adventures:
  • They kill Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven, angering the gods.
  • Enkidu is sentenced to death by the gods.

Gilgamesh's Quest

• Enkidu's Death:
  • Enkidu dies; Gilgamesh is heartbroken and fears mortality.
  • Seeks Utnapishtim, the only immortal man, for answers.
• Utnapishtim's Story:
  • Survived a great flood, granted immortality by the gods.
  • Gilgamesh fails to stay awake for 7 nights as a test.
• Search for Immortality:
  • Finds a plant of youth, but it’s eaten by a snake.
  • Returns to Uruk, realizing the city’s greatness as his legacy.

Conclusion

• Legacy and Immortality:
  • Immortality is about memory, legacy, and the stories left behind.
  • The Epic of Gilgamesh speaks to themes of death and legacy.
• Cultural Reflection:
  • Storytelling keeps human history alive.
  • The evolution of stories, even their retellings, shapes cultural narratives.