The Epic of Gilgamesh: An
Ancient Tale for Modern
Times
Explore the world's oldest surviving great work of literature. This epic
explores friendship, mortality, and legacy. It offers insights into ancient
Mesopotamian society and values.
Historical Context
The epic originates from Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). It was written in cuneiform on clay tablets around 2100 BC.
Earliest versions were in Sumerian, with later Akkadian adaptations. It was rediscovered in the 19th century at Nineveh
library.
Origin Writing
Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) Cuneiform on clay tablets
Gilgamesh: The King of Uruk
Gilgamesh is initially depicted as an oppressive ruler. He is two-thirds
god and one-third human. His tyrannical rule leads to pleas for help
from the gods. This is his journey from despot to wise king.
1 Oppressive Ruler 2 Divine Heritage
Initially arrogant and Two-thirds god, one-third
tyrannical. human.
3 Transformation
Journey from despot to wise king.
Enkidu: The Wild Man
Enkidu was created by the gods to challenge Gilgamesh. He lives
among animals, untouched by civilization. Interaction with Shamhat
civilizes him. He becomes Gilgamesh's loyal friend and companion.
Wild Life Civilization Loyal Friend
Lives among the Civilized through Becomes
animals. interaction. Gilgamesh's
companion.
The Journey to the Cedar
Forest
Gilgamesh and Enkidu embark on a perilous quest. They desire fame and
want to conquer Humbaba. Humbaba is the guardian of the Cedar Forest.
Slaying Humbaba has far-reaching consequences.
Quest Begins
Perilous journey starts.
Desire for Fame
Conquer Humbaba.
Slaying Humbaba
Consequences unfold.
Encounters with the Gods
Ishtar's advances are rejected by Gilgamesh. The Bull of Heaven is sent as divine punishment. Enkidu has a prophetic
dream before his death. These events depict complex relationships between humans and gods.
2 Bull of Heaven
1
Ishtar's Advances
Enkidu's Dream
3
The Quest for Immortality
Gilgamesh grieves and fears death after Enkidu's passing. He journeys
to Utnapishtim, the flood survivor. Utnapishtim's story parallels Noah's
Ark. Gilgamesh faces a test of staying awake and seeks a plant of
rejuvenation.
1 Grief and Fear
Enkidu's death.
2 Utnapishtim
Flood survivor's story.
3 Test of Wakefulness
Themes: Friendship and
Loss
There is a profound bond between Gilgamesh and Enkidu. Grief serves
as a catalyst for self-discovery and change. Gilgamesh confronts
mortality and searches for meaning. He accepts human limitations.
Profound Bond Catalyst
Gilgamesh and Enkidu's Grief for self-discovery.
friendship.
Confronting Mortality
Searching for meaning.
Themes: Civilization vs. Nature
There is tension between urban life and nature. The Cedar Forest symbolizes untamed wilderness. Human actions impact
the environment. This story reflects on the balance between progress and preservation.
1 Urban Life
2 Cedar Forest
3 Human Impact
Lasting Legacy and Relevance
This epic influenced later literature, like the Bible and Greek mythology. It
explores universal human experiences. It raises enduring questions about life
and death. It echoes in contemporary discussions about power and
environmentalism.
1 2
Influence Human
Later literature. Experiences explored.
3
Enduring
Questions raised.
SUMMARY
Gilgamesh: The King of Uruk
The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the oldest surviving works of literature. It tells
the story of Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk, a powerful and arrogant ruler. The
gods, tired of his tyranny, create Enkidu, a wild man, to challenge him.
Gilgamesh and Enkidu become friends and embark on adventures together.
They defeat Humbaba, the guardian of the Cedar Forest, and the Bull of
Heaven, sent by the goddess Ishtar to punish Gilgamesh for rejecting her
advances. However, the gods decide that one of them must die for their
actions, and Enkidu is chosen.
SUMMARY
Gilgamesh: The King of Uruk
Grief-stricken by the loss of his friend, Gilgamesh becomes obsessed with finding the
secret of immortality. He travels to the ends of the earth, encountering dangers and
obstacles along the way.
He finally reaches Utnapishtim, who survived a great flood and was granted eternal life by
the gods.
Utnapishtim tells Gilgamesh the story of the flood and reveals that immortality is not for
mortals. Gilgamesh returns to Uruk, accepting his mortality but finding solace in his city and
his people.
MORAL
Gilgamesh: The King of Uruk
1)The Inevitability of Death
The central theme of the epic is Gilgamesh's confrontation with mortality. Enkidu's death forces Gilgamesh
to face the reality that all humans, even powerful kings, are mortal. This lesson emphasizes the
importance of accepting our finite existence.
2) The Value of Friendship
The bond between Gilgamesh and Enkidu is a powerful testament to the importance of friendship. Their
relationship transforms Gilgamesh from an arrogant tyrant into a more compassionate and human being.
The epic highlights the power of companionship and the support that true friends provide.
3) The Limits of Human Power
Gilgamesh's quest for immortality reveals the limitations of human power and ambition. Despite his
strength and determination, he cannot overcome the natural order of life and death. The epic suggests
that true wisdom lies in accepting these limitations.
4)The Importance of Living a Meaningful Life
While Gilgamesh fails to achieve immortality, he ultimately finds meaning in his accomplishments as a
king and builder of Uruk. He returns to his city and appreciates the legacy he will leave behind. This
lesson emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and fulfillment in the present.
MORAL
Gilgamesh: The King of Uruk
1)The Inevitability of Death
The central theme of the epic is Gilgamesh's confrontation with mortality. Enkidu's death forces Gilgamesh
to face the reality that all humans, even powerful kings, are mortal. This lesson emphasizes the
importance of accepting our finite existence.
2) The Value of Friendship
The bond between Gilgamesh and Enkidu is a powerful testament to the importance of friendship. Their
relationship transforms Gilgamesh from an arrogant tyrant into a more compassionate and human being.
The epic highlights the power of companionship and the support that true friends provide.
3) The Limits of Human Power
Gilgamesh's quest for immortality reveals the limitations of human power and ambition. Despite his
strength and determination, he cannot overcome the natural order of life and death. The epic suggests
that true wisdom lies in accepting these limitations.
4)The Importance of Living a Meaningful Life
While Gilgamesh fails to achieve immortality, he ultimately finds meaning in his accomplishments as a
king and builder of Uruk. He returns to his city and appreciates the legacy he will leave behind. This
lesson emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and fulfillment in the present.
ACTIVITY
“My Legacy" Reflection
On a short bond paper, blue pen, cursive writing.
1) Create an essay ( 3 to 4 paragraphs) 1 par= 5 to 6 sentences
2) Imagine your life in the future.
Answers these questions: (body)
• What do you want to be remembered for?
• What contributions do you want to make to the world?
• What accomplishments will you have?)
THANK YOU!
Prepared by:
Ms. Emme Jane D. Llavado
