Lecture Notes: The Epic of Gilgamesh and the Discovery at Nineveh

Discovery of the Library at Nineveh

• Year & Location: 1849, ancient city of Nineveh, northern Iraq.
• Archaeological Goal: Seek records to prove Biblical stories.
• Significant Find: One of the world's oldest libraries.
• Content Found: Ancient clay tablets with a riveting story.

The Epic of Gilgamesh

• Age: Approximately 4,000 years old.

Characters and Plot

• Gilgamesh: King of Uruk; known for crashing weddings and sleeping with brides.
• Aruru: Goddess who creates Enkidu to rival Gilgamesh.
• Enkidu: Wild man living beyond the city; later seduced by a priestess of Ishtar.
  • Encounter with Gilgamesh: They wrestle and become close companions.

Major Events

• Quest to Slay Humbaba

  • Humbaba: Creature with a thousand faces, guardian of Cedar Forest.
  • Result: Gilgamesh and Enkidu kill Humbaba despite his pleas.

• Confrontation with Ishtar

  • Ishtar's Advances: Rejected by Gilgamesh.
  • Bull of Heaven: Sent by Ishtar to destroy Uruk; slain by Gilgamesh and Enkidu.
  • Consequences: Enkidu is killed by the gods and enters the underworld.

Gilgamesh's Quest for Immortality

• Motivation: Grief for Enkidu and fear of death.
• Journey: Travels beyond cosmic mountains to seek immortality.
  • Encounters: Scorpion people, gemstone trees, outruns the sunrise.
  • Shiduri's Advice: Goddess bartender advises to enjoy mortal life.
  • Utanapishti: Immortal man, survivor of a great flood.
    • Advises acceptance of mortality.
    • Challenges Gilgamesh to conquer sleep (fails).
    • Reveals a magical plant for eternal youth (stolen by a snake).

Conclusion of Gilgamesh's Story

• Legacy: Acceptance of mortality, vow to do great deeds.
• Written Account: Inscribed his story on a lapis lazuli tablet for future generations.

Historical Context

• Library Owner: Assyrian King Ashurbanipal.
• Historical Significance: Gilgamesh likely a real king of Uruk.
• Cultural Impact: Versions date back to 2000 BCE, influencing literature through the ages.