World History & Geography I — Unit 2: Mesopotamia
Literary Analysis: The Epic of Gilgamesh
Reading Introduction
The story begins by introducing two very different men in Mesopotamia. Gilgamesh, the
king of Uruk, is known for his great accomplishments but also for treating his people
cruelly. Enkidu is a wild man who lives among animals and is feared by the people of
Sumer. A farmer sends a woman to meet Enkidu, and after spending time with her, he
loses his connection with the animals and begins to enter human society. She
convinces him to travel to Uruk, where he meets Gilgamesh. After a powerful wrestling
match, the two become close friends. Later, Gilgamesh convinces Enkidu to join him on
a dangerous journey to kill Humbaba, a powerful divine creature who guards the forest.
After traveling and experiencing several restless nights, they finally reach the edge of
the forest, ready to begin their adventure.
Discussion Questions
1. What is this story really about?
2. What features of modern stories do you find in this narrative?
3. What aspects of Mesopotamian society are revealed in this reading?
4. What does the society that told this story have in common with ours today?