Gilgamesh
Study Guide
Main Plot Events
I
Gilgamesh was King of Uruk
What kind of king was he? Evidence?
Enkidu was born on the Steppe.
How was he different?
The hunter sent his son to ask a favor of Gilgamesh
What favor? Why?
Result?
How does Enkidu change?
Gilgamesh dreams
What might his dreams mean?
Gilgamesh and Enkidu meet
Where?
Why?
Result?
II
Gilgamesh wants to go kill the Evil One, Humbaba
Why?
Enkidu’s response?
They travel into the forest
Describe it
What differences arise between the two men?
What role does Gilgamesh’s mother assign Enkidu?
They reach the edge of the forest of Humbaba
What changes in Gilgamesh?
What changes in Enkidu?
Describe Enkidu’s wound
Battle with Humbaba
Describe battle
Describe aftermath
Gilgamesh and Enkidu encounter Ishtar
Who is she?
What happens?
Enkidu dies
Parting words?
Impact on Gilgamesh?
III
Gilgamesh begins a new quest
What is his goal?
How has he changed?
Scorpion people?
Siduri?
Gilgamesh seeks Utnapishtim
Boatman?
He learns of the flood?
Gilgamesh tested?
Describes the plant he receives
What happens to the plant?
IV
Gilgamesh returns to Uruk
How has he changed?
Characters
Gilgamesh
Enkidu
Hunter & son
Prostitute
Ninsun
Humbaba
Ishtar
Bull of Heavan
Siduri
Urshanabi
Utnapishtim