Title: The Epic of Gilgamesh
Author: Anonymous
Written: 2,100 CCE
Pages: 119 Pages
Structure: 12 “Tablets”.
I will proclaim to the world the deeds of Gilgamesh. This was the man to whom all things were known; this was the king who knew the countries of the world. He was wise, he saw mysteries and knew secret things, he brought us a tale of the days before the flood. He went on a long journey, was weary, worn-out with labour, returning he rested, he engraved on a stone the whole story.
The Epic of Gilgamesh is the oldest piece of literature known to humans, and one of the finest.
The story is at least 5,000 years old, but was written down around 2,100 BCE. If tells of an insufferably proud king (two thirds god, one third human) who is transformed, and learns empathy through friendship and heartbreak.
It asks the question “If my friend dies, if I will die, what meaning is there? What should I do?”
It has everything. Politics, sex, religion, environmental destruction, a trip to the underworld, and lots of tears.
And, miraculously, achieves this in less than a hundred pages.
It contains beautiful poetry and powerful philosophy.
It is well worth the read.
Interestingly, the story was created around the start of the agricultural revolution. Gilgamesh is king of a city. His friend, Enkidu, is a wild man – probably a hunter gatherer.
This story sits at the magical transition point of civilization and gives a unique insight into the changes in our collective psyche at that time.
I read the N.K.Sandars translation from 1960. There are more modern versions around (such as Sophus Helle which include more up to date information.)