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Mesopotamia and Egypt are believed to be the
world's first civilizations.
 Mesopotamia, "between rivers," is the territory
located between the Tigris and Euphrates
rivers, in modern day Iraq.
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Sumer, which is the term referring to the area of
Southern Mesopotamia, is believed to be where the
world's first writing system developed.
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Initially, Sumerians wrote on clay tablets with a reed.
Around 3300 BCE, clay tablets had pictures on them
representing different animals. Next to the pictures,
there would be tally markings. Eventually, a writing
system with over 700 signs emerged. Later Sumerian
writing was known as cuneiform. Cuneiform is the
Latin term for "wedge shaped".
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The epic hero is not unlike the tragic hero in
that he born into greatness or into leadership.
However, the epic hero has some
characteristics that clearly distinguish him
from the others.
The epic hero is in a different class of men
based on his "skill, strength, and courage"
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The epic of Gilgamesh examines the quest for
eternal life, friendship, abuse of power, and
relationships.
The epic is divided into twelve tablets each
detailing a different aspect of Gilgamesh's
adventures. Gilgamesh is the historical king of
Uruk during 2700 BCE. Sumerian tablets still
survive detailing his adventures. The tablets of
this epic were found in the library of
Ashurbanipal, the king of Assyria.
TABLET EXAMPLE
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Although respected, the hero is not always someone
likeable.
Is it better to be a well-liked leader or a wellrespected leader? Are both aspects possible?
Blinded by his own praises, the hero tries to enhance
his own reputation and may take on foolish, dangerous
battles in an effort to continue to add to his list of
achievements. These actions not only put him in danger
but also risk the lives of those around him. This,
however, makes his victory even more glorious and his
people, even more grateful.
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In media res" translates to "in the middle of ".
The audience learns background information
and details as the epic progresses.
HOW DOES EG BEGIN in this way?
The simile is much like the literary simile
using "like" or "as"; however, the epic simile
is full of description and helps to move the
action along and to build suspense
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The epic hero's main focus is dangerous
activity, essentially a war or battle over an evil
force.
WHO IS THE EVIL FORCE?
The epic hero is someone we want fighting on
our side as he is cunning, resourceful,
instinctive, and skilled. He works well under
pressure; he is the kind of guy that has your
back. We all have these skills but are
magnified and shown to be glorious as the hero
needs then to lead and save the day
LET’S BEGIN The Prologue
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The epic poem has a clear set-up and design. The
poem begins with an invocation - this invocation
calls on a muse or god to inspire divine
intervention while telling the tale. In the
invocation, the subject and the epic question are
introduced
The invocation is not defined in this reading. It
begins with the prologue READ 1st para.
What hint does the prologue give about
Gilgamesh’s quest?
The Prologue
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Hints that Gilgamesh will see mysteries, gain
knowledge of the world’s secrets, go on a long
really exhausting journey
Prologue
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READ 2ND paragraph
Rampart- defensive wall- used for military
defense
Consider how Gilgamesh is considered an
extraordinary person
The Battle
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Why does the goddess Aruru create Enkidu?
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Gilgamesh is arrogant!
Analyze
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When Gilgamesh states that “Immolation…for
him, what is he predicting?
Make sure you know this vocab word for
tomorrow
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He is predicting that he will NOT die in the
battle
Shamash: one of the gods whom
Gilgamesh worships
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What does Gilgamesh want Shamash to do?
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Keep him safe and help him win the battle
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What does the call and response reveal about
Gilgamesh’s own powers and their limitations?
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He sometimes needs the help of powerful
forces……don’t we all?
Humbaba pg. 21
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What is the chief emotion Humbaba is feeling?
Pg 21
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FEAR
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Contrast the two men’s attitudes
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Gilgamesh willing to offer mercy to Humbaba
Enkidu feels showing the monster mercy
would get Gilgamesh killed
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Have you ever been in a dilemma where you
have been torn between the desire to be
compassionate and the need to adminster
justice?
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Do you think Gilgamesh was right to listen to
Enkidu and ignore Humbaba’s pleas for
mercy?
Why or why not?
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G is right--Humbaba is evil— can evil ever be
trusted?
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G is wrong--The powerful gods may seek
revenge on gilgamesh and his people
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He is physically perfect and possesses great
courage and strength
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Group Work: In small groups, students will complete a
chart to begin creating their own epic hero and epic journey.
Students will complete the following:
1 Name of Hero
2 The Force the Hero will battle
3 The Journey (specifically where will the journey start and
finish)
4 Obstacles the Hero must overcome
5 How will the epic end
6 Theme or Real Reason hero took the journey
Conclusion: Groups will put information on chart paper and
present to the class.