Review: The Epic of Gilgamesh

Genre: Epic poem, fiction, classic
Printed out from website below, 50 pages
Source: Academy for Ancient Texts

This is an epic poem about Gilgamesh, a man who is 2/3 god and 1/3 human. It was written in Mesopotamia around 2500 BC on a series of 12 clay tablets. It is one of the earliest known works of literature. The story tells us about Gilgamesh, his deeds, and his friendship with Enkidu, who is also part god. Both of these great warriors lives are intertwined with the many gods in control of the universe at that time. The gods pretty much controlled everything, including the activities in the story. While Gilgamesh and Enkidu are on a quest to rid the land of a terrible beast, also created by a god, Enkidu dies. Gilgamesh is stricken with grief and I think, travels to the underworld to either seek out Enkidu or test his own mortality. It was hard for me to tell, and I didn't want to read Cliff Notes. At this point the story ends, and the reader is left wondering what happened to Gilgi.

This was an interesting story. It was a little choppy and I was confused from time to time since parts of the story are missing. That's what happens when the source documents are clay tablets that are over 4500 years old. This epic could be an accounting of one man's life and deeds or it could be strictly for entertainment. I think it was a little of both, especially since some parts of it read like refrains from a song. I could imagine ancient dancing and chanting in the retelling especially at the underworld parts. I think the poem was also meant to teach about love, friendship, trust, because that's what the relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu embodied. Stand by your family and friends and defend them to the end. Overall it was a quick read and it certainly piqued my interest in ancient texts or stories. I think I will read up on some interpretations of the poem at a later date.

Here are some links which contain more information about this poem and it's background:

Wikipedia entry

This looks like a computer generated movie of the poem

Sparks Notes


Photo from the British Museum

My Rating: How can I rate one of the first known pieces of literature ever? Not Applicable!

2010 Challenges Met: 100+, Really Old Classics Challenge



I read this for the Really Old Classics Challenge run by Heather J and Rebecca Reid. The deadline was February 28, 2010, but I don't think one day is a huge difference. I originally read this in January but procrastinated with the review. Terrible, I know. Click here to check out more reviews and blogs.