Lecture Notes: The Epic of Gilgamesh

Overview

• Epic of Gilgamesh: Ancient story from Iraq about a quest for meaning and immortality.
• Composed in 2nd millennium BCE (~4,000 years ago).
• Used to train scribes; influenced the Bible.
• Central theme: Immortality through memory and accomplishments, not magical means.

Key Characters

• Gilgamesh: King of Uruk, part human, part divine.
• Enkidu: Companion to Gilgamesh, created by gods from clay.
• Utnapishtim: Survivor of the flood, possesses secret to immortality.
• Humbaba: Guardian of the Cedar Forest.
• Shamhat: Prostitute who civilizes Enkidu.
• Ishtar: Goddess who desires Gilgamesh.

Main Plot Points

Gilgamesh's Quest

• Seeks immortality after Enkidu's death.
• Encounters various trials and divine beings.
• Learns that eternal life is elusive, but his story ensures his legacy.

Relationship with Enkidu

• Enkidu created to rival Gilgamesh but becomes his close friend.
• They embark on adventures together, including defeating Humbaba.
• Enkidu's death profoundly affects Gilgamesh, prompting his quest.

The Flood Narrative

• Parallels to Noah's Ark in the Bible.
• Utnapishtim survives a divine flood and is granted eternal life.
• Themes of divine retribution and preservation of life.

Gilgamesh and Ishtar

• Ishtar proposes to Gilgamesh; he rejects her, invoking her wrath.
• Leads to conflicts with the Bull of Heaven and divine punishment.

Themes and Concepts

Immortality

• Explored through the quest for the plant of rejuvenation and the flood survivor.
• Mortality is inescapable, but legacy through deeds is immortal.

Friendship and Loss

• Deep bond between Gilgamesh and Enkidu.
• Enkidu's death is a pivotal moment, symbolizing the human condition.

Civilization vs. Wilderness

• Enkidu's transformation from wild to civilized parallels themes of Eden.

Parallels to Biblical Stories

Flood Narrative

• Divine communication, building of an ark, survival of a flood.
• Similarities with Noah's story highlight shared themes.

Serpent and Forbidden Knowledge

• Gilgamesh's plant of rejuvenation parallels Eden's Tree of Knowledge.
• Role of the snake in both narratives emphasizes loss and rebirth.

Divine Gardens

• Both Epic of Gilgamesh and Bible depict lush, divine gardens.

Moral Tests and Divine Retribution

• Stories tell of divine judgment and tests of morality.

Companions and Transformation

• Enkidu and Gilgamesh's relationship resembles David and Jonathan's bond.

Historical Context and Influence

• Excavations in Nimrud and Nineveh uncovered texts linking to biblical history.
• The Akkadian language and its significance in Mesopotamia.
• George Smith's discovery of the flood myth and its connection to biblical stories.

Conclusion

• The Epic of Gilgamesh offers rich narratives comparable to biblical tales.
• Encourages exploration of its themes and cultural significance.
• Highlights the timeless quest for meaning and immortality in human history.

Personal Reflection

• Epic stories like Gilgamesh should be valued for their depth and historical impact, beyond comparisons to biblical texts.