The Epic of Gilgamesh

The Epic of Gilgamesh is among the earliest surviving works of literature, with the earliest versions dating from around the Third Dynasty of Ur in early Sumeria (2150-2000 BC). Preserved in Cuneiform, the Epic was retold over the centuries, and the most complete version was discovered in the ruins of the library palace of the seventh century BC Assyrian king, Ashurbanipal. The Epic is most notable as being the obvious source of the biblical story of Noah and the flood. The Epic tells the story of the king of Uruk, Gilgamesh, and his adventures with his erstwhile foe and then friend, Enkidu. Together they journey to the Cedar Mountain to defeat Humbaba, its monstrous guardian, then they kill the Bull of Heaven, which the goddess Ishtar sends to punish Gilgamesh for spurning her advances. As a punishment for these actions, the gods sentence Enkidu to death. Gilgamesh then sets out to avoid his friend's fate and seek the secret to eternal life, a quest in which he is ultimately thwarted. Contains original author's preface and a new overview of the storyline. Contents Author's Preface Overview of the Storyline of the Epic of Gilgamesh The First Tablet: Of the Tyranny of Gilgamesh, and the Creation of Enkidu The Second Tablet: Of the Meeting of Gilgamesh and Enkidu The Third Tablet: The Expedition to the Forest of Cedars against Humbaba The Fourth Tablet: The Arrival at the Gate of the Forest The Fifth Tablet: Of the Fight with Humbaba The Sixth Tablet: Of the Goddess Ishtar, Who Fell In Love with the Hero after His Exploit against Humbaba The Seventh Tablet: The Death of Enkidu The Eighth Tablet: Of the Mourning of Gilgamesh, and What Came of It The Ninth Tablet: Gilgamesh in Terror of Death Seeks Eternal Life The Tenth Tablet: How Gilgamesh Reached Uta-Napishtim The Eleventh Tablet: The Flood The Twelfth Tablet: Gilgamesh, In Despair, Enquires of the Dead