Elizabeth Serdsev

The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the oldest pieces of literature written in cuneiform, an ancient form of writing on clay or stone in the Sumerian language. It first appeared in Mesopotamia around 2100 BCE, but was progressively passed down as rulers of the city-states loved to boast as being descendants of Gilgamesh, who presumable achieved to immortalize his name and mark himself as an awe-inspiring warrior and powerful king. Furthermore, the legendary figure was remembered for building ten kilometers long monumental city walls, befitted with nine hundred towers. I thought it interesting how Gilgamesh was first presented as an overbearing, extremely arrogant, and brutal ruler who slept with newlywed brides before their husbands. However, he is also the wise ruler who with his people in need, implemented a plan to calm and humanize the wild Enkidu with the harlot Shamhat. Also, although not prominent figures in the story, I noticed that the women of the epic have quite an important role in continuously aiding the men to their success. First, there is Gilgamesh’s mother the goddess Ninsun who not only prayed for her son’s success in killing Humbaba, but interpreted his troubling dreams prophesizing Enkidu coming into his life. Then there is Shamhat, who manages to humanize Enkidu, convince him into civilized ways, and describe Gilgamesh’s dreams which develop into a longing for the two powerful men to meet. That is what opened into a friendship theme which is obvious in this piece of literature. Another interesting aspect of this epic, was its manner of writing. It is apparent that the piece was for sophisticated scholars and members of the court, and could be used as a basis for the Babylonian schools teaching literature. I find it fascinating, and am not surprised at how this piece attracts readers even today. Particularly, I noticed how certain parts of the poem were repetitive to emphasize their importance. As in the case with Gilgamesh’s dreams on his journey to kill the giant Humbaba, there is a repetitive manner of relating the nightmares in making it seem like days are going by. The dreams play an important role in the epic as well. They predict the future and occur frequently throughout the story. The Epic of Gilgamesh is not only an interesting poem to read, but has numerous morals and insights about people that I think resonate in our modern-day age as well.