The first work of western literature, this is one of man’s oldest myths.
Set in the land between the Tigris and the
Euphrates (modern day Mesopotamia), this is the story of Gilgamesh, both hero and king. This tale begins at the very dawn of civilization, when Ishtar was the reigning deity and there was no city greater than Uruk.
Written on cuneiform tablets in the Akkadian tongue, it was deciphered and translated in the late nineteenth century.
In the words of the noble savage Enkidu, “Gilgamesh is unique among humans, stronger and braver than any mortal, rightly granted the kingship since he was destined to rule over men.” No finer or more apt description of the primeval hero can be found. For Gilgamesh is not just any hero, he is the archtype of what makes the hero. Every hero must have his quest, every hero must find fulfillment; Gilgamesh (accompanied by Enkidu) sets out to conquer the monster who dwells in the Cedar forest.
An underlying theme of this epic is Gilgamesh’s struggle to come to terms with his own mortality. Perhaps he is more aware of this all too human failing due to his partly divine origin. In his own words, “he wants to make a lasting name for himself, and to stamp his name on men’s minds forever.” The city elders try to stop Gilgamesh from going on such a dangerous
journey, but he will not be swayed.
After the death of Enkidu, this great warrior is stricken by grief. Gilgamesh resolves to leave his palace and his kingdom behind, and he embarks upon his second quest – as he seeks to find the way to overcome death. But in keeping with the times this is an outer journey, and not an inner quest. This quest takes him through the underworld to the very edge of the world, and across the ocean of death.
This book has been as much written about as it has been read. Its importance lies in the fact that it is a living document; like other ancient texts (such as the Bible and Homer’s Iliad/Odyssey) it tells us a great deal about the times in which it was written, and about the people who lived in those days. As a work of literature or as a source of history it is no doubt valuable, but as part of the shared heritage of man it is invaluable.