STUDY GUIDE for
The Epic of Gilgamesh
Author Unknown
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Study Guide by Sabrina Justison
Copyright 2013 Sabrina Justison. Published by 7 Sisters IHH, LLC. All rights reserved
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The Epic of Gilgamesh Study Guide 1
STUDY GUIDE for
The Epic of Gilgamesh
Author Unknown
Study Guide by Sabrina Justison
This Study Guide with vocabulary is appropriate for high school students of varying levels.
I. Basic: Look up the definition (appropriate in the context of the book) for each vocabulary
word. Use the questions as a springboard for discussion with your student (or for more fun, get
together with a group of students who have just read the book for a discussion.) For this level,
the 3 paragraph essay in “Sum It Up” is optional.
II. College Prep: Assign your student these questions to answer independently (using
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complete sentences) as he or she reads the book, and follow up with discussion. For each
vocabulary word, look up the definition (appropriate in the context of the book) and write a
paraphrase, or use the word in an original phrase or sentence.
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III. Honors: College Prep. Assignments + choose one of the enrichment activities from page
Copyright 2013 Sabrina Justison. Published by 7 Sisters IHH, LLC. All rights reserved.
The Epic of Gilgamesh Study Guide 2
Background:
The Epic of Gilgamesh is the oldest story we have written down. It was written on
Sumerian clay tablets in approximately 2700 BC. Pieces of the story are missing, but
enough of it has survived for us to understand the bulk of it. The most complete version
of the epic existing today is preserved on 12 clay tablets from the collection of a 7thcentury BC Assyrian king. The adventures in the story appear to take place in what is
today southern Iraq.
There are many interesting comparisons between the account of the flood of Noah in
Genesis and the Epic of Gilgamesh. Answers in Genesis is a great source of scholarly
work on this topic. (www.answersingenesis.org)
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The Discussion Questions in this study guide should be answered using
complete sentences. It is important in high school to practice clear articulation of your
ideas, and answering these questions using complete sentences (rather than jotting
down a few words to remind you of what you read) builds the skill of writing about your
ideas with clarity and support for your opinions. You will be better prepared to discuss
the questions with others if you have first thought through a careful answer and written it
completely in your study guide.
Copyright 2013 Sabrina Justison. Published by 7 Sisters IHH, LLC. All rights reserved.
The Epic of Gilgamesh Study Guide 3
Vocabulary:
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rampart
cornice
hubris
tocsin
extol
supplicate
quay
succour
rancour
tiara
votaries
hierophants
Immolation
pyre
brazier
ferrule
wattle
acolytes
incantation
carnelian
haematite
bitumen
barque
batten
harbourage
sluices
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Look up the definition of each word appropriate to the context of the story (you do NOT
need to copy the definition from the dictionary). Write your own paraphrase of the
definition.
Copyright 2013 Sabrina Justison. Published by 7 Sisters IHH, LLC. All rights reserved.
The Epic of Gilgamesh Study Guide 4
Discussion Questions:
1. Of what place is Gilgamesh king?
2. What are some of Gilgamesh’s “good points”? Name at least three.
3. What fraction of Gilgamesh is god? What fraction of him is man?
4. What are some of Gilgamesh’s faults? Name at least three.
5. Where does Enkidu come from?
6. What is Enkidu’s rather unique lifestyle at the beginning of the story?
7. After Enkidu becomes civilized and is brought to the city, what happens upon his first
meeting with Gilgamesh?
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8. Why do Gilgamesh and Enkidu go to the forest?
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9. What happens to the Bull of Heaven, and what is the punishment inflicted on
Gilgamesh and Enkidu?
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10. How does Enkidu’s death affect Gilgamesh?
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11. Why does Gilgamesh go in search of Utnapishtim?
12. Who does Utnapishtim remind us of from the Bible?
13. What is the likely symbolism of Gilgamesh’s journey through the tunnel under the
twin-peaked mountains to reach his destination?
14. What is the test that Utnapishtim tells Gilgamesh he must pass? Is he successful?
15. What is Gilgamesh given as he leaves that will restore his youth?
16. What happens to it on the journey?
17. What might this be a reference to from the Bible?
18. Why are there familiar bits from the Bible (non-fiction) showing up in The Epic of
Gilgamesh, which is a work of fiction?
Copyright 2013 Sabrina Justison. Published by 7 Sisters IHH, LLC. All rights reserved.