Analytical Essay: The Epic Of Gilgamesh

The Epic of Gilgamesh is often recognized as the first considerable forms of literate. The Sumerian story date back to early Mesopotamia roughly 2100 B.C.E. The town of Uruk, in which Gilgamesh was born ruler, lie south of present day Iraq. The town became prominent for being one of the first urbanized cities. In a matter of time the small agriculture rooted village turn into a complex society. Those present day events help mold The Epic of Gilgamesh, which is why the epic is such a rich part of history today.

The Epic of Gilgamesh consist of two main character, the first is Gilgamesh who is two- third god and one – third human. He is described as a strong undefeated man with cruel and savage ways. Gilgamesh take boys from their families and make them warriors, and lust

They interfered with lives of nobles and Gilgamesh throughout the story. It all started with the creation of Enkidu, who was created in Gilgamesh image by Aruru. When Gilgamesh and Enkidu united to conquer Humbaba the gods became enraged. They punished the two by making Enkidu suffer a slow and painful death. The gods also displayed humanly characteristics throughout the story. For example, Ishtaar lust for Gilgamesh, but after he turned her down she became furious. Those humanly characteristics was the gods biggest weakness.

Gilgamesh travel’s to the end of the earth after the death of his lover Enkidu. In the mist of his journey he meets Ustnapishtim. Ustnapishtim claims to have gain immortality by obeying the god’s orders to build a ship to survive the Great Deluge. The gods directed him to gather all the animals and his relatives to aboard the ship. Ustnapishtim released the birds to help find land, and in return Ustnapishtim family was safe form he storm and became untouchable. In relation, The Epic of Gilgamesh flood myth was a result of change in the earth’s climate, which caused ice to melt and sea levels to