You’ve read about the characteristics of Sumerian civilization. You learned that a king led the
Sumerian government and that the people believed in many gods. You also learned how
Sumerians developed a written language called cuneiform.
With writing, Sumerians were able to record their history and their literature. One of their
most famous stories is about King Gilgamesh of Uruk. In the story, Gilgamesh and his friend
Enkidu perform heroic deeds as they travel the world. Enkidu dies, and Gilgamesh tries to
find a way to live forever. By the end, he learns that even heroes must die because only
gods can live forever.
Below is the introduction from this story, The Epic of Gilgamesh. In it, King Gilgamesh is
described in vivid detail. Many of his heroic deeds are celebrated. As you read, think about
these questions: What was Gilgamesh like? Do you think all of this is true? Why would the
Sumerians want to exaggerate the truth?
Supreme over other kings, lordly in appearance,
he is the hero, born of Uruk, the goring wild bull.
He walks out in front, the leader,
and walks at the rear, trusted by his companions.
Mighty net, protector of his people,
raging flood-wave who destroys even walls of stone!
Offspring of Lugalbanda, Gilgamesh is strong to perfection,
son of the august cow, Rimat-Ninsun; …
Gilgamesh is awesome to perfection.
It was he who opened the mountain passes,
who dug wells on the flank of the mountain.
It was he who crossed the ocean, the vast seas, to the rising sun,
who explored the world regions, seeking life.
It was he who reached by his own sheer strength Utanapishtim, the Faraway,
who restored the cities that the Flood had destroyed!
Who can compare with him in kingliness?
… for teeming mankind.
Who can say like Gilgamesh: “I am King!”?
Whose name, from the day of his birth, was called “Gilgamesh”?
Two-thirds of him is god, one-third of him is human.
The Great Goddess designed the model for his body,
she prepared his form… beautiful, handsomest of men, perfect…
He walks around in the enclosure [area] of Uruk,
Like a wild bull he makes himself mighty, head raised [over others].
There is no rival who can raise his weapon against him.
Investigating Literature
To the Sumerians, King Gilgamesh of Uruk was a lot like today’s superheroes. Imagine
that we were to make a movie about his adventures. Create a poster advertising the
movie. Your poster must include
•
an imaginative title to capture the viewer’s attention.
•
a large and colorful picture of Gilgamesh in one of his adventures.
•
at least one caption describing Gilgamesh.
•
other creative and interesting touches that make the poster most realistic.
•
correct grammar and spelling.