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Context Page for Epic of Gilgamesh
Time period: Ancient Mesopotamia, ca. 1760 BC
1. Historical Background
During this time period, around 5000 to 1501 BC, we see many firsts in the ancient world. Sumerian
cuneiform and 2,000 or so pictographic signs were found dating back to about 4000-3500 BC. Usually written on
clay tablets, these texts are the oldest known forms of writing. In Egypt, the first libraries are formed; as well as the
"Book of the Dead," a 'collection of religious documents'1; and, "Story of Sinuhe," the oldest form of a novel
written in Egypt. Shortly after Hammurabi's death, the Babylonian Empire began to decline.
2. Author Information (if known)
The main author of the Epic of Gilgamesh is unknown. However, there is a specific author mentioned for
the Akkadian (Assyrian) version of the poem, Shin-eqi-unninni. He is the oldest known author that we can name.
Not much is known about him, but we think he translated the original Sumerian cuneiform into the Akkadian
language.
3. Brief Summary of the Book or Reading
This great hero who had all knowledge, Gilgamesh, built the great city of Uruk; the tablet invites us to look
around and view the greatness of this city, its high walls, its mason work, and here at the base of its gates, as the
foundation of the city walls, a stone of lapis lazuli on which is carved Gilgamesh's account of his exploits, the story
you are about to hear.2
Gilgamesh was one-third man, two-thirds god, and he was the strongest man alive. He built the great city,
and was king of it, but he was young and rash, and he oppressed the citizens. All the people in the city called upon
their god Anu to stop Gilgamesh, and Anu created a man-beast, comparable in size and strength to Gilgamesh. His
name was Endiku.
A group of shepherds, who taught him many things, slowly civilized Endiku. Upon entering the city
Endiku and Gilgamesh fought with each other until the latter won. Soon after they became best of friends, and
were sent upon a quest: to kill Humbaba the demon and Guardian of the Cedar Forest. Endiku and Gilgamesh
defeat the demon, but Humbaba curses Endiku, that he may not be with Gilgamesh any more.
Ishtaar sent the great Bull of Heaven to destroy Endiku and Gilgamesh, but, working together they defeated
the bull. Endiku fell ill once they returned to the city, and the gods decided that for killing the demon Humbaba
and for killing the bull, that Endiku should pay with his life. Endiku dies, and Gilgamesh is torn apart at the loss of
his friend. He did not bathe, shave, or take care of himself during this time. He decides that he cannot live unless
his is immortal, and he undertakes another great quest to live forever. He goes to the ends of the earth, and finds
himself a plant that would grant him eternal life, but a snake crawled up and ate it.
Thus the story ends with Gilgamesh standing at the gates of his great city.
1
2
From The Timetables of History, pg. 4
http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/MESO/GILG.HTM, Summary of Tablet I