Book Review – 45 – The Epic of Gilgamesh by Anonymous

Book Review – 45 – The Epic of Gilgamesh by Anonymous

Title: The Epic of Gilgamesh. Author: Anonymous. Publication Details: First known fragment dates back to around 2100 BCE. The most complete version was found in the 19th century, written on 12 tablets in Akkadian cuneiform. Genre: Epic Poetry, Mythology.

Introduction

The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the oldest and most significant works of literature, originating from ancient Mesopotamia. It chronicles the journey of Gilgamesh, the ruler of Uruk, as he embarks on a search for eternal life. Written in Akkadian cuneiform and preserved in various tablets, the epic reflects not only the values and beliefs of the Sumerian and Babylonian societies but along the way, it explores enduring themes such as human mortality, the value of friendship, and the quest for life's deeper meaning.

Summary of the Plot

The narrative centers around the adventures of Gilgamesh, a semi-divine king whose power and arrogance lead to discontent among his people. The gods send Enkidu, a wild man, to humble Gilgamesh. The two initially clash but soon become close friends and embark on a series of daring exploits. Their quests include slaying the monster Humbaba and killing the Bull of Heaven, sent by the Goddess Ishtar. However, these actions anger the Gods and Enkidu is punished with death. Gilgamesh is devastated by his friend’s demise and sets out on a perilous journey in search of immortality. He meets Utnapishtim, a survivor of the Great Flood, who tells him that immortality is reserved for the Gods and cannot be attained by humans. Despite his efforts, Gilgamesh returns to Uruk, wiser and more accepting of his mortal limitations.

Analysis of Themes

Friendship: One of the most prominent themes in The Epic of Gilgamesh is the deep bond between Gilgamesh and Enkidu. Their friendship transforms Gilgamesh from a self-centered and oppressive ruler into a more reflective and empathetic individual. Their partnership also serves as a testament to the human need for companionship and support.

Mortality and Immortality: Gilgamesh’s quest for immortality is a direct response to the death of Enkidu, which brings him face-to-face with the inevitability of death. The epic explores the concept that immortality is unattainable for humans, emphasizing the importance of living a meaningful life within the confines of one’s mortality.

Divinity and Human Nature: The Gods in The Epic of Gilgamesh are powerful and often capricious. While they influence the fate of the characters, they also exhibit distinctly human traits, such as jealousy, pride and affection. This portrayal of the Gods underscores the blurred line between human and divine in ancient Mesopotamian culture.

Style and Structure

Narrative Style: The Epic of Gilgamesh is a narrative poem written in the first person, using a third-person omniscient voice when necessary. It has a clear, episodic structure, with each tablet of the epic representing a separate but interconnected part of the story. The use of dialogue, action and reflection makes the poem compelling and accessible to readers of various backgrounds.

Language and Tone: The language in The Epic of Gilgamesh is formal and ceremonial, with a rhythmic, poetic style. The tone ranges from heroic and triumphant to somber and reflective, reflecting the emotional journey of the protagonist. The epic's tone shifts with Gilgamesh's character development, from arrogance and youthful exuberance to wisdom and acceptance of mortality.

Critical Evaluation

Strengths

Timeless Themes: The epic's exploration of friendship, mortality and the search for meaning transcends time and culture. Its relevance is not confined to ancient societies but resonates with modern readers as well.

Character Development: Gilgamesh's transformation from a tyrant to a wise and reflective ruler is compelling. His emotional growth, especially after the death of Enkidu, adds depth to the narrative.

Cultural Significance: As one of the oldest known works of literature, The Epic of Gilgamesh offers valuable insight into early human civilization, including its beliefs, values and social structures.

Weaknesses

Fragmentary Nature: Because the epic has been preserved in incomplete fragments, some parts of the story are lost or unclear. This can make the narrative difficult to follow in some places.

Repetitive Elements: The structure of the epic sometimes feels repetitive, particularly in the recounting of certain events. While this is typical of oral traditions, it may seem cumbersome to some readers.

Ambiguities in Translation: Different translations of the text can vary in interpretation, leading to inconsistencies in the portrayal of characters and events.

Conclusion

The Epic of Gilgamesh stands as one of the most important works of ancient literature, offering timeless reflections on the human experience. Its themes of friendship, mortality and the quest for immortality are timeless and continue to resonate with modern audiences. Despite its fragmentary nature and occasional repetitiveness, the epic's rich character development and exploration of universal themes make it a timeless masterpiece that should be read and studied by anyone interested in the roots of human storytelling.

References

George, A. (1999). The Epic of Gilgamesh. Penguin Classics.

Kramer, S. N. (1963). History Begins at Sumer: Thirty-Nine Firsts in Man's Recorded History. University of Pennsylvania Press.

Foster, B. R. (2001). The Epic of Gilgamesh: A New Translation. W. W. Norton & Company.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is Gilgamesh and why is he important in the epic?

Gilgamesh is depicted as a semi-divine monarch of Uruk and serves as the story’s protagonist. His journey represents the quest for immortality and the search for meaning in life.

What key message does The Epic of Gilgamesh convey?

The central lesson of The Epic of Gilgamesh is the acceptance of human mortality and the importance of living a meaningful life, regardless of the inevitability of death.

Why is The Epic of Gilgamesh considered one of the oldest works of literature?

The epic, written in cuneiform on clay tablets, dates back to around 2100 BCE, making it one of the earliest known pieces of written literature.

How do the Gods influence the events in The Epic of Gilgamesh?

In The Epic of Gilgamesh, the Gods have a profound influence on the characters’ destinies. Their actions and decisions directly affect the events of the story, guiding or hindering the heroes in their pursuits. They represent the mysterious forces beyond human control, often reflecting human emotions and motivations.