Myth and Symbol

Gilgamesh

The fullest version of the great Giglamesh epic is an Akkadian text from Asshurbanipal's library at Nineveh. Gilgamesh, described as "two-thirds god and one third man", has been oppressing his subjects in Erech. When they appeal to the gos for a counterpart to keep their ruler in check, the gods create Enkidu, the archetypal savage, who is covered with hair and lives with the wild beasts. He loses his special nature when he has intercourse with a prostitute, who introduces him to civilization. He then engages Gilgamesh in combat, after which the two become close friends and embark on heroic exploits, such as the killing of Humbaba. On their return to Erech, the goddess Ishtar invites Filgamesh to ber her consort, but he scornfully rejects her advances. Enraged, she sends the "Bull of Heaven" against him, but Gilgamesh and Enkidu slay the creature.

The gods decide that Enkidu must die for his part in the slaying of Humbaba and the Bull. Enkidu's fate brings home to Giglamesh the reality of death, and so he sets out to discover the secret of eternal life. Crossing to death, and so he sets out ot discover the secret of eternal life. Crossing the Waters of Death, he visits the one man who has gained immortality, Utnapishtm, who tells him of an immortalizing plant at the bottom of the sea. Accompanied by Utnapishtim's boatman, Gilgamesh recovers the plant, but it is stolen by a snake before he can use it. Gilgamesh finally returns to Erech, and takes the boatman on a tour of his splendid city.

creation

the hero

goddesses

gods

tricksters

afterlife

love

Gilgamesh

Discussion

Links