Crash Course Mythology: The Epic of Gilgamesh

Introduction

Presenter: Mike Rugnetta
Series: Crash Course Mythology
Topic: The Epic of Gilgamesh, an ancient text and its relation to Joseph Campbell's hero's journey

Age: Over 4,000 years old
Written Versions: Date back to 2100 BCE
Cultural Significance: Shows syncretism between Sumerian and Akkadian cultures
Version Used: Written around 1200 BCE

Main Character: Gilgamesh, king of Uruk
Initial Characterization: Portrayed as a bad king and serial rapist
Parentage: Two-thirds god (goddess mother) and one-third man (human king father)
Main Quest: To become a better man and king, accept mortality

Meeting Enkidu
- Becomes friends after wrestling to a stalemate
- Enkidu: Helps Gilgamesh become better
Adventures
- Facing Humbaba: Demon adversary in the forest
  - Announcement of the quest, supernatural aid received
  - Defeating Humbaba with divine help from Shamash
  - Symbolizes atonement with the father
Interaction with Goddess Ishtar
- Temptation: Gilgamesh refuses Ishtar’s advances
- Consequences: Bull of Heaven sent after Gilgamesh; Enkidu kills bull, insults Ishtar, leading to his death
Enkidu’s Death
- Triggers Gilgamesh’s fear of death
- Starts a new quest to find immortality
Journey to Utnapishtim
- Seeks immortality
- Encounters Siduri, learns about overcoming lethal waters
- Fails at staying awake for six days
Ultimate Boon
- Finds a rejuvenating plant but loses it to a serpent

Heroism: Gilgamesh fulfills many aspects of Campbell’s monomyth but is ambivalent
Human Limitation: Acceptance of mortality is key
Heroic Qualities: Not from perfection but from growth and acceptance