The Epic of Gilgamesh Study Questions’ Answers
THE FOREST JOURNEY
10. What is Gilgamesh’s destiny?
To die, “everlasting life is not your destiny.”
11. How does Enkidu know this destiny?
Gilgamesh told Enkidu Gilgamesh’s dream, and Enkidu has the gift of interpreting dreams.
12. Why does Gilgamesh plan the “Forest Journey”?
He has not “established my name stamped on bricks as my destiny decreed.” He goes to make sure his
name is remembered forever by “destroy[ing] the evil” of Humbaba.
13. Who is Humbaba? What is he like?
He guards the cedars in the forest. His name means “hugeness” and is a “ferocious giant.”
14. Why does Enkidu say that Gilgamesh is not afraid of Humbaba?
Because he has not seen Humbaba before.
15. What does Enkidu propose to do?
Go to Shamash, the Sun God, who’s land Humbaba lives in and ask for his blessing.
16. What does Enkidu believe will be the outcome of the fight?
Gilgamesh will win.
17. How does Gilgamesh respond to Enkidu’s prediction?
They broke their fast, traveled more, and made an offering to the gods.
18. When Gilgamesh and Enkidu debate whether or not to fight Humbaba, what is Gilgamesh’s attitude toward
death?
He tells his friend to not be afraid; it is not his time to die. With both of them fighting, they will be
victorious.
19. How does Enkidu’s description of Humbaba reveal that the giant is evil?
Enkidu describes Humbaba as a bull about to charge, like a watchman yelling threats, and says his gaze is
like “the eye of death.”
20. When the two first see Humbaba to whom does Gilgamesh ask for help?
He calls to Shamash.
21. In calling for Shamash’s assistance what does Gilgamesh reveal about himself?
Personal interpretation of “O glorious Shamash, I have followed the road you commanded but now if you
send no succor how shall I escape?” A possibility: Gilgamesh knows that he is not all powerful and needs
help.
22. How does Shamash help Gilgamesh and Enkidu?
Shamash sends winds and a storm so that Humbaba cannot run away and hide.
23. Does Shamash’s role in the battle diminish the heroes’ achievement? Why or why not?
Personal opinion.
24. What does Humbaba do when Gilgamesh tries to enter his house?
Humbaba cries and begs for mercy even saying that he will be Gilgamesh’s servant.
25. How does Gilgamesh respond?
Gilgamesh is moved to compassion saying that he wouldn’t think of making a slave of Humbaba.
26. What advice does Enkidu give Gilgamesh?
Enkidu says to kill Humbaba, because Humbaba will betray Gilgamesh.
27. Is Enkidu successful in convincing Gilgamesh?
Yes. Gilgamesh kills Humbaba.
28. How does Enlil react to the news of Humbaba’s death?
Enlil is furious and curses both Enkidu and Gilgamesh.
29. What differences between Enkidu and Gilgamesh are brought out through the battle with Humbaba?
Many possible answers: Enkidu is worrisome while Gilgamesh has faith in the gods. Enkidu has lost his
strength while Gilgamesh is still strong. Enkidu is cowardly while Gilgamesh is brave.