NAME: ___________________________ DATE: _______
PERIOD: ______
The Epic of Gilgamesh Discussion Questions
Directions: Answer each question with a complete sentence. Must be HANDWRITTEN
Prologue and The Battle with Humbaba

What does the prologue suggest about the values of ancient Mesopotamians?

How does the battle with Humbaba bring out differences between Gilgamesh and his
companion Enkidu?

For which qualities and achievements is Gilgamesh praised in the prologue?.

How important is Enkidu’s role in the battle with Humbaba? Support your opinion with
specific passages from the epic.
The Story of the Flood

Why do the gods agree to destroy humankind? What causes them to change their minds?

Why does Enlil grant immortality to Utnapishtim and his wife?

When the snake steals the plants, why doesn’t Gilgamesh return for more?

Which passages in the epic foreshadow the failure of the quest? Explain.

Which of the following phrases best describes Gilgamesh’s mood at the end? (A) bitter
resignation, (B) pride in the walls of Uruk. Give reasons for your answer.

Was Gilgamesh’s quest a selfish one? Why or why not?