Smarr Publishers
English
for
Classical Studies
A Student’s Companion to
The Epic of
Gilgamesh
by Robert W. Watson
Copyright © Watson Educational Services, Inc., 2006
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The Epic of Gilgamesh / 1
T
Introduction to The Epic of Gilgamesh
HE EPIC OF GILGAMESH is the earliest example of literature in the world. The
character of Gilgamesh is timeless in that he portrays very human emotions and most
people in all ages who have suffered a special loss can identify with Gilgamesh. Yet,
King Gilgamesh is a man without the knowledge of the true and living God; thus, his
frustrations and fears reflect the dilemma faced by all mankind from the beginning of creation:
how can one reconcile himself with death, and is there life after death?
The epic is divided into two parts. The first part centers on the friendship between Gilgamesh
and Enkidu. These men complement each other. Gilgamesh becomes more aware of emotional
feelings, while Enkidu becomes somewhat refined. You will notice that before his fall, Enkidu
is very happy in his “natural” condition. However, as he becomes corrupted by the ways of
civilization, Enkidu becomes unhappy because he now sees the death in things. The epic
implies that if man is left in his natural condition and is allowed to live as simply as possible,
then all will be in harmony with nature. So, the teachings of the modern environmental
movement, or neo-Romanticism, are not so new after all.
The second part details Gilgamesh’s quest to find eternal life. Gilgamesh abandons reason and
becomes an emotional wreck. While everyone tells him that the quest for eternal life is
hopeless, Gilgamesh feels there is something more to life than just living to die. Yet, Gilgamesh
thinks in such a way which all pagans think: eternal life is in a thing or an object that can be
touched. Faith in the commandments of God do not play a role in the lives of pagans.
Thus, the tale of Gilgamesh shows the major conflict between worldviews early in recorded
history. There are two—and only two—worldviews that one can adopt. These worldviews are
either the Biblical worldview or the pagan one, and they are contrary to each other. Regarding
origins, it is either divine creation or evolution. Regarding final authority, it is either the Bible
or the state. Regarding religion, it is either freedom of conscience or state-imposed religion.
Regarding devotion, it is either faith supported by obedience or works supported by mysticism.
Indeed, the two positions are as different as day and night, having no commonality of
agreement.
There are some very interesting characters in the epic, from the grotesque Humbaba to the
wise Utnapishtim, who is clearly Noah found in Genesis. You will notice that several of the
characters will try to discourage Gilgamesh’s searching for eternal life. Consider the arguments
of the characters carefully. One point will become evident. The pagan gods of Gilgamesh are
clearly created in the image of man and therefore represent the worst of mankind’s faults. You
should contrast the gods in the epic with the true and living God of the Bible.
By reading this tale, you will be entering into strange worlds as Gilgamesh takes you on a
journey not soon forgotten.
ROBERT W. WATSON
2 / The Epic of Gilgamesh
The Epic of Gilgamesh
Lesson One
1.1 Vocabulary
mien n.
rend v.
meld v.
flout v.
spectral adj.
1.2 Vocabulary Exercise: Which two words do not belong with each set?
1. mien
bearing
estate
manor
manner
2. rend
mend
tear
repair
shred
3. meld
separate
unite
bond
part
4. flout
ridicule
mock
honor
respect
5. spectral
corporeal
ghostly
risky
1.3 Reading Assignment: The Epic of Gilgamesh, pp. 1–12
1.4 Questions
1. What two rivers flowed through Babylonia?
2. Gilgamesh reigned in what city?
3. Why did the people wish for a new order of things?
4. Who sees Enkidu one day after he set a animal free from a trap?
5. What could Enkidu do like any other man?
6. The trapper plans to ensnare Enkidu with what?
7. How did Gilgamesh receive the story about Enkidu?
8. How do the animals react to Enkidu after he knows the harlot?
9. In his first dream, Gilgamesh is unable to do what?
10. To whom does Gilgamesh relate the dream?
phantasmal
The Epic of Gilgamesh / 3
11. In his second dream, Gilgamesh is unable to do what?
12. The interpretation of both dreams are essentially the same. What is the interpretation?
13. The harlot tells Enkidu that he needs to stop being a beast and go to what city?
14. Where does the harlot take Enkidu at first?
15. Finally, Enkidu goes to the city. How is he received by the people?
16. After becoming friends, Gilgamesh tells Enkidu that they are going to kill whom?
17. What is Enkidu’s reaction to Gilgamesh’s idea?
18. What is Gilgamesh’s explanation why Enkidu has no strength?
19. What does Gilgamesh propose to cut in order to kill the fiend?
20. Enkidu points out three things about the fiend that will make the task of killing him very
difficult. What are these three things?
21. Gilgamesh states that if he should die, what honor will he receive?
22. What is the reason that Gilgamesh states why the youth should fight this battle with the
fiend?
23. Why do the people state that Enkidu should lead the way and not Gilgamesh?
1.5. Critical Thinking

Compare and contrast the fall of Enkidu with the fall of Adam in Genesis.

Compare and contrast Gilgamesh’s view of war with that of the Elders.
4 / The Epic of Gilgamesh
The Epic of Gilgamesh
Lesson Two
2.1. Vocabulary
sentinel n.
din n.
pallid adj.
vex v.
2.2 Vocabulary Exercise: Which two words do not belong with each set?
1. sentinel
guard
sentry
fence
gate
2. din
cave
abyss
cauterwauling clamor
3. pallid
wan
bright
pale
sunny
4. vex
comfort
calm
agitate
bother
2.3. Reading Assignment: The Epic of Gilgamesh, pp. 12–22
2.4. Recall Questions
1. Before going to Humbaba’s woods, with whom do the two men speak?
2. To whom does Ninsun pray?
3. What gift does Ninsun give to Enkidu?
4. The two men are about to enter the woods. What blocks their way?
5. What happens to Enkidu as he tries to open the gate?
6. The land of Humbaba is known by three names. What are these names?
7. Gilgamesh dreams two dreams. What is the first dream about?
8. What is the second dream about?
9. Whom does Humbaba attack first?
10. Who brings Humbaba to the ground?
11. What does Humbaba promise to Gilgamesh if the king spares his life?
The Epic of Gilgamesh / 5
12. In the morning after the battle, who appears to Gilgamesh?
13. What does she bring with her?
14. What is her desire with Gilgamesh?
An oxymoron is the combination of two terms that in normal usage are actually opposites, such
as “bitter sweet.” Can you find an example of an oxymoron on page 25?
15. What happened to Ishullanu after he falls in love with Ishtar?
16. After she is insulted by Gilgamesh, to whom does the goddess go?
17. What is now the desire of Ishtar?
18. What does the Bull of Heaven represent?
19. Who kills the Bull of Heaven?
20. With what does Enkidu hit Ishtar?
21. Enkidu learns from Enlil in a dream that what must happen to him?
22. What does Enkidu imagine are on his arms?
23. What sort of creature does Enkidu see?
24. After Enkidu states, “All life is passing,” he sees the gods doing what?
2.5. Critical Thinking

One often hears there is a fine line between love and hate. Explain how Ishtar shows both of
her attributes of love and war when confronting Gilgamesh.

Is the “love” of Ishtar really love or is it lust? Explain your answer.

Pagan worship centers on the worship of reproduction and sex. How is sex prominent in The
Epic of Gilgamesh? What role does sex have in the Scriptures, particularly in the Song of
Solomon?
6 / The Epic of Gilgamesh
The Epic of Gilgamesh
Lesson Three
3.1 Vocabulary
dank adj.
keen adj.
sundry adj.
sustenance n.
assuage v.
abate v.
3.2 Vocabulary Exercise: Which two words do not belong with each set?
1. dank
damp
frigid
freezing
humid
2. keen
smart
dull
canny
blunt
3. sundry
various
diverse
separate
distant
4. sustenance
face
visage
livelihood
keep
5. assuage
ease
fight
conflict
quell
6. abate
subside
recede
increase
rise
3.3 Reading Assignment: The Epic of Gilgamesh, pp. 22–32
3.4 Recall Questions
1. Gilgamesh makes a cape of what?
2. Gilgamesh decides to search for what?
3. To whom does Gilgamesh decide to go?
4. Who is the “round,/Bright deity of evening sky”?
5. What shape does the two guards have that guard the entrance past the Mashu mountain?
6. Why does the stare of the creatures fail to harm Gilgamesh?
7. After going through the Road of the Sun, Gilgamesh finds himself where?
8. Who does Gilgamesh meet as soon as he comes to the sea shore?
9. Why is the woman afraid of Gilgamesh?
10. What advice does she give to Gilgamesh about Enkidu?
The Epic of Gilgamesh / 7
11. The woman states that the gods have bestowed upon men what?
12. When Gilgamesh decides to leave, what arguments does the woman offer him in order that
he might stay?
13. Who will be able to help Gilgamesh to cross the Lake of Death?
14. Before he leaves the inn, what does Gilgamesh do to the gate and fence?
15. What blocks the path of Gilgamesh which he breaks into pieces?
16. At first, the boatman states that he cannot help Gilgamesh cross the Lake of Death. Why?
17. Finally, the boatman tells Gilgamesh that he might be able to cross the lake by doing what?
18. How does Gilgamesh use the last pole?
3.5. Critical Thinking:

How valid are the objections to finding eternal life, which are posed to Gilgamesh by the
scorpions and Siduri? What is the nature of these arguments?

The Epic of Gilgamesh does not have a Devil like the one found in the Bible. However, is
there an entity or force that represents evil? Discuss.
8 / The Epic of Gilgamesh
The Epic of Gilgamesh
Lesson Four
4.1 Vocabulary
doleful adj.
august adj.
node n.
sate v.
4.2 Vocabulary Exercise: Which two words do not belong with each set?
1. doleful
solemn
rich
plentiful
gloomy
2. august
majestic
awful
common
mundane
3. node
dilemma
vessel
ship
problem
4. sate
empty
replete
gorge
spill
4.3 Reading Assignment: First, read the Flood Account in Genesis 6:1–8:22; then The Epic of
Gilgamesh, pp. 32–44
4.4 Recall Questions
1. Who is waiting on the shore for Gilgamesh?
2. The wise man is encouraged about two things after Gilgamesh states his purpose for
coming. What are these two things?
3. According to the wise man, what is the “searing flame” of God?
4. How long were the rains to last?
5. Who warns Utnapishtim about the coming flood?
6. With what does Utnapishtim construct the boat?
7. When the people began asking why he was building a boat, Utnapishtim was to tell them
what?
8. Who helps Utnapishtim with building the boat?
9. What did the boat look like?
10. Who shuts the door to the boat as the rains began?
11. After the flood, what birds do Utnapishtim release?
The Epic of Gilgamesh / 9
12. What does Utnapishtim sacrifice?
13. What is Gilgamesh’s test to see if he merits eternal life?
14. How many days does Gilgamesh sleep?
15. Finally, Utnapishtim tells Gilgamesh that if he finds a certain object, he will have the secret
to eternal life. What is this object?
16. How does Gilgamesh lose this object?
4.5 Critical Thinking

Is Utnapishtim correct when he states that loneliness by itself can teach a soul about the
purity of God? Explain how divine revelation is necessary for this teaching of purity.

Compare and contrast the flood account in The Epic of Gilgamesh to that found in Genesis.

The serpent is an important figure in both the Scriptures and mythology. Contrast the role of
the serpent in The Epic of Gilgamesh with that in Genesis.

Does the shedding of a snake’s skin represent a good type of eternal life? Why or why not?

Contrast the person of Gilgamesh before and after the death of Enkidu.
10 / The Epic of Gilgamesh
Glossary for The Epic of Gilgamesh
abate (…-b³t“) v. To diminish in intensity, make an end of, subside
assuage (…-sw³j“) v. To pacify or appease
august (ô-g¾st“) adj. Inspiring admiration or reverence
dank (d²ngk) adj. Unpleasantly damp; humid
din (d¹n) n. Noisy clamor; an uproar
doleful (d½l“f…l) adj. Full of sorrow; mournful
flout (flout) v. To treat with contempt; to ridicule
keen (k¶n) adj. Sharp, piercing; strong penetration
meld (mμld) v. To merge or come together; to blend
mien (m¶n) n. Showing character, feeling; an appearance
node (n½d) n. A complication or difficulty
pallid (p²l“¹d) adj. Pale, lack of color; wan
rend (rμnd) v. To tear or split apart violently; to sever
sate (s³t) v. Satisfy to the full; surfeit
sentinel (sμn“t…-n…l) n. A guard, a keeper; a sentry
spectral (spμk“tr…l) adj. Resembling a spirit or characterizing a ghost
sundry (s¾n“dr¶) adj. Various, divers
sustenance (s¾s“t…-n…ns) n. Nourishment; needed to sustain life
vex (vμks) v. To irritate; to annoy
The Epic of Gilgamesh
Vocabulary Quiz
1. The frequent ordeal of having to “voluntarily” submit to rebuilding the walls has sorely
_________ the citizens of Uruk.
(A) abated
(B) assuaged
(C) sated
(D) vexed
(E) flouted
2. When Gilgamesh discovered the blossom had disappeared, his visage had a(n)
____________ look, which revealed the sorrow of his heart.
(A) august
(B) sundry
(C) doleful
(D) pallid
(E) keen
3. While looking for Humbaba, Gilgamesh and Enkidu had very little _______________ for
many days; however, as the desert _______________, the two men were able to eat a hearty
meal in the forest of the giant.
(A) mien . . melded
(B) sentinel . . sundry
(C) din . . rended
(D) sustenance . . abated
(E) node . . assuaged
4. The early morning fog rose from the creek bed as though it was a _____________ visitor
coming to haunt Gilgamesh and Enkidu.
(A) spectral
(B) pallid
(C) august
(D) sundry
(E) keen
5. The Gilgamesh soon found himself in one of the most __________ places where a thin layer
of water covered the floor; before him he could hear the constant _________ of animals
crying and howling.
(A) spectral . . sustenance
(B) doleful . . mein
(C) august . . node
(D) keen . . flouting
(E) dank . . din
OVER
6. AUGUST : DISGUSTING : :
(A) worn : used
(B) simple : complex
(C) filthy : dirty
(D) clear : plain
(E) damaged : broken
7. MEIN : CHARACTER : :
(A) soldier : sailor
(B) depth : ocean
(C) moon : planet
(D) etiquette : manners
(E) building : church
8. NODE : DIFFICULTY : :
(A) relation : stranger
(B) closet : house
(C) remedy : solution
(D) refusal : acceptance
(E) folkdance : choir
9. REND : FIX : :
(A) talk : speak
(B) swim : exercise
(C) locate : misplace
(D) write : scribble
(E) plant : grow
10. SENTINEL : GUARD : :
(A) coach : player
(B) angel : devil
(C) teacher : principal
(D) brother : cousin
(E) swamp : wetland
11. After he mocked the advances of Ishtar,
Gilgamesh found the goddess to be a
terrible foe, even after trying to assuage
her anger.
The word “to assuage” means
(A) to ridicule.
(B) to merge.
(C) to sever.
(D) to pacify.
(E) to annoy.
12. Because of the king’s smashing the
sacred stones, Urshanabi flouted the
senseless ruin to Gilgamesh’s face.
The word “flout” means most nearly in
this sentence
(A) recognize.
(B) envy.
(C) ridicule.
(D) ignore.
(E) praise.
13. As Enkidu lay dying on his bed, King
Gilgamesh looked upon the pallid face
of his friend and wept aloud.
The word “pallid” means
(A) penetrating.
(B) unpleasant.
(C) pale.
(D) diverse.
(E) dank.
CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE
Gilgamesh was an historical king of Uruk in Babylonia, on the
River Euphrates in modern Iraq. According to many scholars, he
14
lived about 2700 B.C. Although historians tend to emphasize
Hammurabi and his code of law, the civilizations of the TigrisEuphrates area focuses rather on Gilgamesh and the legends
15
surrounding him to explain, as it were, their culture and beliefs.
Many stories and myths were written about Gilgamesh, some of
which were written down about 2000 B.C. in the Sumerian
language on clay tablets which still survive. It, as far as anyone
16
know, bears no relation to any other human language known
17
today. These Sumerian Gilgamesh stories were integrated into a
18
longer poem, versions of which survive not only in Akkadian but
also on tablets written in Hurrian and Hittite. All the above
languages were written in the script known as cuneiform, which
means "wedge-shaped". The most complete work of all of the
19
versions of the epic of Gilgamesh are derived from twelve stone
20
tablets, in the Akkadian language, found in the ruins of the
library of Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria 669-633 B.C., at
Nineveh. They destroyed the library in 612 B.C., and all the
tablets are damaged.
STOP
14. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
they
Gilgamesh
him
15. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
concentrates
foci
focus
16. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
They
He
The language
17. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
knows
known
had known
18. A. NO CHANGE
B. Gilgamesh
Sumerian stories
C. Sumerian stories
about Gilgamesh
D. Gilgamesh-type
stories in Sumeria
19. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
wedgeshaped.
‘wedge-shaped’.
“wedge-shaped.”
20. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
is derived
were derived
had been derived
Answer Keys to The Epic of Gilgamesh: A Poetic Version
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 1
1. estate, manor
2. mend, repair
3. separate, part
4. honor, respect
5. corporeal, risky
Lesson 1
1. The rivers are the Tigris and the Euphrates.
2. The city is Uruk.
3. Life was hard and the old ways were not being supported by the people.
4. A trapper’s son sees Enkidu.
5. Enkidu uses his hands to set animals free.
6. The trapper plans to use a harlot.
7. Gilgamesh received the news with boredom.
8. The animals become afraid of Enkidu.
9. Gilgamesh is unable to lift a fallen star.
10. Gilgamesh tells his mother, Ninsun.
11. Gilgamesh is unable to lift an axe.
12. The fallen star and the axe will be a close friend.
13. The city is Uruk.
14. The harlot takes Enkidu to the land of the shepherds.
15. Enkidu is received with great enthusiasm by the people.
16. The two men will kill Humbaba.
17. Enkidu is against the idea and is afraid.
18. Humbaba has taken strength away from Enkidu.
19. The sacred trees in the forest.
20. Humbaba never sleeps; there are dreadful sounds; and fire issues from his mouth
21. Gilgamesh wishes to receive a soldier’s honor.
22. The youth are getting lazy and never earned the right to receive praise for doing right
23. Enkidu is familar with the trails and woods.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 2
1. fence, gate
2. cave, abyss
3. bright, sunny
4. comfort, calm
Lesson 2
1. The two men speak with Ninsun.
2. Ninsun prays to Shamash.
3. The gift is a silver charm.
4. A gate blocks the warriors’ path.
5. Enkidu is unable to use his hand, nor can he speak.
1
6. The land is known as Heaven, Hell, the Dark.
7. Stones fell upon the two men; but Gilgamesh is helped by a man
8. Fire came down from Heaven but turned to ash and did not harm Gilgamesh.
9. Humbaba attacks Enkidu first.
10. Enkidu brings Humbaba to the ground.
11. Humbaba will cut down the forest and built a royal palace.
12. Ishtar appears to Gilgamesh.
13. Ishtar brings the crown and royal robes.
14. Ishtar desires to marry Gilgamesh.
15. Ishullanu is changed into a mole.
16. Ishtar goes to Anu, her father.
17. Ishtar wants to kill Gilgamesh and his subjects.
18. The Bull of Heaven is a famine.
19. Enkidu kills the Bull of Heaven.
20. Enkidu hits Ishtar with a leg off of the carcass of the Bull.
21. Enkidu learns that he will die.
22. Enkidu imagines that there are feathers on his arms.
23. Enkidu sees a creature of dust eating dust.
24. The gods were playing a game to see who could cause the most misery.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 3
1. frigid, freezing
2. dull, blunt
3. separate, distant
4. face, visage
5. fight, conflict
6. increase, rise
Lesson 3
1. The cape is made of animal skins.
2. Gilgamesh will search for the secret to eternal life.
3. Gilgamesh decides to see Utnapishtim.
4. The diety is the moon, Sin.
5. The two guards are half human, half scorpion
6. Gilgamesh is not completely mortal, but is 2/3 god.
7. Gilgamesh finds himself in a very futile valley.
8. Gilgamesh meets Siduri.
9. Siduri thinks that Gilgamesh is a fleeing felon or murderer.
10. Gilgamesh should forget about Enkidu and live for the present.
11. The gods have bestowed the ways of death with sorrow.
12. No one has ever crossed the lake of Death successfully; selfishness will kill Gilgamesh.
13. Urshanabi the boatman can help Gilgamesh.
14. Gilgamesh destroys the gate and fence in anger.
15. Large stones block the path.
16. Gilgamesh destroyed the sacred stones.
17. Gilgamesh might cross the lake by cutting many poles to push the boat across the water.
18. Gilgamesh uses the pole as a mast to hold his sail of animal skins.
2
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 4
1. rich, plentiful
2. common, mundane
3. vessel, ship
4. empty, spill
Lesson 4
1. Utnaphistim waits for Gilgamesh.
2. Utnaphistim is encouraged that Gilgamesh was brave enough to seek eternal life and that he
sought light from the blind.
3. The searing flame of God is His compassion.
4. The rains were to last seven days.
5. Ea warns Utnaphistim.
6. Utnaphistim uses the boards from his own house to build the boat.
7. Utnaphistim was to tell the people that he was being prevented from entering the city by
Enlil.
8. Craftsmen from the city help Utnaphistim with constructing the boat.
9. The shape of the boat was cube-like.
10. Utnapishtim shuts the door.
11. Utnapishtim releases a dove, a swallow, and a raven.
12. Utnapishtim sacrifices a lamb.
13. Gilgamesh was to stay awake six days and seven nights.
14. Gilgamesh slept for seven days.
15. Gilgamesh was to find a flower in the deepest part of the river.
16. A snake swallows the flower.
The Epic of Gilgamesh
1. D
2. C
3. D
4. A
5. E
6. B
7. D
8. C
9. C
10. E
11. D
12. C
13. C
14. C (indefinite subject)
15. D (S-V agreement)
16. D (indefinite subject)
17. B (S-V agreement)
18. C (noun as adj.)
19. D (mechanics)
20. B (S-V agreement)
3
4