The Epic of Gilgamesh

Prologue

• Gilgamesh, King of Uruk: Proclaimed to the world the deeds of Gilgamesh.
• Attributes:
  • Known for wisdom, strength, and secret knowledge.
  • Perfect body endowed by the gods: beauty from Shamash, courage from Adad.
  • Part divine (2/3 god, 1/3 man).
• Contributions: Built the walls of Uruk, the temple of Anu which stands magnificent.

Creation of Enkidu

• Complaints Against Gilgamesh: Arrogance, taking youths, and mistreatment of women.
• Divine Response: Gods create Enkidu as Gilgamesh’s equal:
  • Physically like Gilgamesh, raised in the wild, innocent of mankind.
  • Disruption of Trapper's life leads to Enkidu’s encounter with civilization.

Civilizing Enkidu

• Role of the Har****lot: Shames Enkidu, drawing him away from the wild.
• Transformation: Enkidu becomes weak, gains wisdom, understands human life.
• Desire for Comradeship: Longs to meet Gilgamesh, challenge and change the old order.

Enkidu and Gilgamesh's Friendship

• Initial Clash: Enkidu confronts Gilgamesh over his behavior.
• Bonding: Fight ends with mutual respect and deep friendship.
• Dreams of Gilgamesh: Prophecies about their union and mutual accomplishments.

Forest Journey

• Quest: Gilgamesh seeks to establish his name by defeating Humbaba, the guardian of the Cedar Forest.
• Preparation: Enkidu and Gilgamesh arm themselves with weapons crafted by armorers.
• Council’s Advice: Cautions and blessings for the journey.
• Dreams of Enkidu: Interprets as positive omens for their success.
• Enkidu's Fears: Describes the terrors of Humbaba but is encouraged by Gilgamesh.
• Battle with Humbaba: Eventually defeat him through combined effort and divine support.
• Consequences: Enlil’s anger over Humbaba’s death, cursing of heroes.

Confrontation with Ishtar

• Ishtar’s Proposal: Offers herself to Gilgamesh, he rejects her citing the fate of her previous lovers.
• Divine Wrath: Ishtar sends the Bull of Heaven to punish, but Gilgamesh and Enkidu slay it.
• Dream of Enkidu: Foretells doom due to the gods’ decision.
• Enkidu’s Illness and Death: Curses and blessings, laments his fate, final transformation, and death.

Search for Everlasting Life

• Gilgamesh's Grief: Deep sorrow and fear of death, journey to find Utnapishtim.
• Journey Challenges: Encounters with scorpion-men, through mountains of darkness.
• Siduri’s Counsel: Advice to enjoy life, introduction to Urshanabi, the ferryman.
• Crossing Waters of Death: Reaching Utnapishtim for answers on immortality.

Utnapishtim’s Story

• The Flood: Utnapishtim narrates the deluge and his survival.
• Lessons: Impermanence and acceptance of mortal fate.
• Test and Failure: Gilgamesh’s attempt to stay awake for 6 days but fails.

Return and Realization

• Cleansing: Gilgamesh rejuvenated but loses the plant of youth.
• Final Journey: Return to Uruk, acceptance of human limits.
• Legacy: Engraves his story on stone.

Death of Gilgamesh

• Fulfilling Destiny: Enlil’s decree of Gilgamesh’s fate.
• Mourning: People of Uruk lament his death, offering tributes to ancestral gods.
• Final Praise: Acknowledgment of his achievements and enduring glory.