Mrs.Joyce, English, Literature Section
Epic of Gilgamesh Study Guide
Name:
Directions: On a separate sheet of paper, answer each question thoroughly and
thoughtfully. Write in complete sentences. Include a direct quote or textual reference
in each question whenever possible.
Sources: Prentice Hall and Holt textbooks, Ludmila Zeman’s Gilgamesh the King
children’s book, YouTube videos: Sean Goodison, “Philosophy of Death”, and Professor
Gore’s “Noah’s Flood and Gilgamesh.”
Background Information
1. Provide Gilgamesh’s profile: place of birth, status, personality.
2. Why do the gods create Enkidu? What kind of creature is Enkidu? How does
Gilgamesh try to get rid of Enkidu?
3. Why do Gilgamesh and Enkidu have a wrestling match? Who wins? What is the
end result?
4. Why does Gilgamesh plan the “Forest Journey”?
5. Who is Humbaba? Describe him. Why does Gilgamesh decide to kill him?
The Prologue/ The Battle with Humbaba
6. For which qualities and achievements is Gilgamesh praised in his prologue?
What does the prologue suggest about the values of ancient Mesopotamia?
7. Briefly represent Gilgamesh and Enkidu’s attitude about battling Humbaba.
What is Gilgamesh’s attitude towards death?
8. How important is Enkidu’s role in the battle with Humbaba?
Enkidu’s Dream of the Underworld
9. Describe Enkidu’s vision of the afterlife. What role do the dead play in the
palace of Irkalla?
10. How does Enkidu’s dream influence Gilgamesh’s quest? Why does he seek
Utnapishtim?
11. What does the meeting with the Man-Scorpion prove about Gilgamesh’s
character?
12. What is Siduri’s message to Gilgamesh?
13. What tests does Utnapishtim have for Gilgamesh?
14. Three characters try to persuade Gilgamesh to give up his journey. What are
their arguments, and which do you like the best?
The Story of the Flood
15. In the flood story, why (and which) do the gods send the flood? Why is
Utnapishtim spared?
16. What evidence is there that Utnapishtim is not entirely sympathetic to
Gilgamesh’s quest? Why would he have mixed feelings about helping Gilgamesh
succeed?
Mrs.Joyce, English, Literature Section
17. Explain the role of the gods in the story. Describe the perception of human-god
relationships and expectations.
18. Explain the symbolism of the snake, sleep and the magical plant.
The Return
19. What “substitute” gift does Utnapishtim give Gilgamesh? What does Gilgamesh
plan to do with it? What do his plans indicate about the kind of king he has
become?
20. What finally happens to Gilgamesh? Judging people’s reaction to his death,
does Gilgamesh remain a bad king? Do you consider him a hero? Explain your
answer.
21. Review your definition of an epic hero. List at least three concrete reasons
Gilgamesh is an epic hero.
Include a section in your notes for.,…
Vocabulary
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Epic
Archetype
Symbols/ symbolism
Archetype
Other
3-2-1 Note Taking for videos or your readings
3 Facts
2 Observations
1 Question