Gilgamesh

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have read pp. 61‑84 in The Epic of Gilgamesh and should also have done the assigned study guide questions found in the Gilgamesh packet.

Activities:

• A. Administer quiz over the reading. Allow about five minutes for students to complete the quiz. Exchange papers and grade in class. Collect quizzes.

• B. Go over study guide questions.

Prologue: Gilgamesh King in Uruk

• 1. What specific personality traits does the poet attribute to Gilgamesh?

According to the poet, Gilgamesh is knowledgeable (he knows “all things,” especially “the countries of the world” ‑ apparently because he had traveled to them).

To what extent does Gilgamesh possess and/or with what details does the poet support each trait?

His wisdom arises from his witnessing of mysteries and his knowledge of secret things. He also has courage, given him by Adad the storm god – suggesting the high degree of his courage.

• 2. What specific physical trait does the poet attribute to Gilgamesh? To what extent does he possess that trait?

Gilgamesh is beautiful, possessing a perfect body that is “terrifying like a great wild bull” ‑ implying that this beauty is that of a powerfully developed masculine physique.

• 3. What mythological quality does the poet attribute to Gilgamesh? (Where does it place Gilgamesh in the hierarchy of beings?)

Gilgamesh is two‑thirds god and one-third man. (He ranks above all other men but below the gods. Though his body is perfect, he is capable of dying.)

• 4. What accomplishments does the poet celebrate at the conclusion of this introductory character sketch?

Gilgamesh’s greatest accomplishment is his work as a builder‑king: “he built walls, a great rampart, and the temples of Anu and Ishtar.”

1 ‑ The Coming of Enkidu

• 1. What negative personality traits does the poet bring out in the opening paragraph?

Gilgamesh is aggressive (sentence 1) and arrogant (2). He drafts the young men (3), and he lustfully sleeps with brides before they consummate their marriages (4).

What positive traits does the poet also note to counterbalance the negative?

Still, the poet insists he is “wise, comely, and resolute.”

FOR CLASS DISCUSSION: The poet says the king should be a “shepherd to his people.” What qualities would such a ruler have?

He would have a deep concern for the welfare of the flock (subjects), protective (rather than oppressive), a high sense of responsibility.

• 2. What is the chief quality Anu sees in Gilgamesh’s nature?

Anu focuses on Gilgamesh’s “stormy heart.”

What need in Gilgamesh does Anu’s solution suggest?

Since he commands Aruru to create Gilgamesh’s equal, the solution suggests that Anu recognizes Gilgamesh’s need for someone like himself to teach him to control himself ‑ or to keep him under control.

FOR CLASS DISCUSSION: Is this need a basic human need?

The question is, of course, an OPEN ONE.

• 3. What words in the third paragraph identify Enkidu’s essential personality traits?

Key descriptive personality words include “noble,” “virtue…of the God of war” (courage), “innocent” (of the sins of civilized humanity).

What are his dominant physical traits?

His rough body is matted with hair; the hair on his head is long.

What specific behaviors does the poet list?

He eats grass, roams with wild animals, and frolics like an animal in the water. He foils the trapper and helps the animals.

FOR CLASS DISCUSSION: Gilgamesh is a leader among civilized men ‑ outstanding in many respects. Enkidu seems to share some of Gilgamesh’s traits. However, he is not civilized. What does the word “innocent” suggest about the poet’s attitude toward Enkidu?

We get the feeling that like Adam in Eden Enkidu represents humanity uncorrupted by civilization ‑ while Gilgamesh is somewhat corrupted by his great power.

• 4. How is Enkidu “tamed”?

Enkidu is seduced by a temple prostitute ‑ a lower-level priestess of Ishtar but not a social outcast by any means.

[Who suggests the solution? Who commands it?]

[The trapper’s father advises the trapper to seek the aid of the harlot from Gilgamesh who so commands.]

How does the “taming” change Enkidu’s nature?

Enkidu is no longer accepted by the animals: “Enkidu was grown weak, for wisdom was in him, and the thoughts of a man were in his heart.” [65].

IN CLASS DISCUSSION: The harlot says Enkidu has “become like a god.” The poet asserts that wisdom had made him weak. How can both statements be true?

The weakness may be relative: the process of civilization (represented by the taming) tends to lessen the importance of physical strength. Certainly, wisdom has greater lasting strength than does brawn. The god‑like stature follows the same reasoning.

• 5. What is Enkidu’s first longing?

Enkidu first longs for “a comrade, for one who would understand his heart.” [65]

Which of Gilgamesh’s personality traits does he exhibit?

Enkidu’s boasts exhibit arrogance like Gilgamesh’s.

• 6. In the paragraph in which the harlot describes Uruk, what new traits does she note in Gilgamesh?

Gilgamesh is "a man of many moods” [65], and he has precognitive dreams.

What previously identified traits does she reiterate?

The harlot reiterates that he has a perfect physique, great strength, and deep wisdom.

• 7. To whom does Gilgamesh tell his dream?

Gilgamesh tells his dream to the goddess Ninsun, his mother.

What simile does he use to describe his own attraction to the meteor [Enkidu] in his dream?

He compares his attraction to the meteor (Enkidu) to “the love of a woman.”

FOR CLASS DISCUSSION: Why is the meteor a good symbol for Enkidu?

It is a natural object; it comes from the heavens, and it is a humanly irresistible force.

To what two livestock tools does Ninsun compares the meteor? Look up the meanings of those words.

Ninsun compares the meteor (Enkidu) to a goad [a long stick with a pointed end used for prodding animals] and to a spur [one of a pair of spikes attached to a rider’s heels to urge the horse forward].

What prediction does she make regarding their relationship?

She calls Enkidu “the strong comrade, the one who brings help to his friend in need.” She says Gilgamesh “will love him as a woman.” and that “he will never forsake you.” [66]

FOR CLASS DISCUSSION: What does the “love him like a woman” phrase tell us about the strength of the future friendship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu?

Their friendship is compared to one of the strongest of all human attractions. In the dream Ninsun also says that Enkidu is Gilgamesh’s brother, a reference to another very strong relationship.

• 8. List the steps in the process of civilizing Enkidu following the harlot’s telling him of Gilgamesh’s dreams.

He first learns to wear clothes. Next, he learns to eat bread and to drink wine. Then, he anoints himself with oil (equivalent to bathing). Finally, he takes responsibility for protecting the shepherds’ flocks from wild animals ‑ the beasts with which he formerly lived.

• 9. Why does Enkidu decide to go to Uruk?

A man tells of Gilgamesh’s oppressive behavior, especially of his lust. He also reports that the lust persists despite the king’s imminent wedding to the Queen of Love (Ishtar).

FOR CLASS DISCUSSION: What trait is suggested by Enkidu’s response to the man’s report?

What event seals Enkidu and Gilgamesh’s friendship?

Enkidu seems to have a strong sense of justice or at least of fairness.

The wrestling match results in a profound sense of respect for an equal and joy at discovering him.

2 ‑ The Forest Journey

• 1. Read paragraph one carefully. What is Gilgamesh’s destiny? What is NOT his destiny?

Kingship is Gilgamesh’s destiny, but everlasting life is NOT.

What advice does Enkidu offer regarding the latter?

Enkidu advises Gilgamesh not to be “sad…grieved or oppressed” [70] because the power given to Gilgamesh has no human parallel.

What advice does he offer regarding the correct use of the gift of power?

He also advises Gilgamesh, “…do not abuse this power, deal justly with your servants…” [70]

FOR CLASS DISCUSSION: Is this last piece of advice consistent with Enkidu’s personality?

Yes, it is his sense of justice and fair play that compelled him to confront Gilgamesh originally. In this advice, he speaks as the goad and spur to which Ninsun referred.

• 2. Why is Enkidu sad?

Enkidu is “oppressed by idleness.” [70] He needs something to do, something that will allow him to exercise his strength, courage, and wisdom.

What is Gilgamesh’s solution?

Gilgamesh must feel the same way since he proposes a QUEST (a personal search for something that will prove the searcher’s strength of character or fulfill his/her destiny) to the Country of the Living (an other-worldly abode of undying beings, the Land of Cedars).

FOR CLASS DISCUSSION: How is Gilgamesh’s motive like Enkidu’s?

Though Gilgamesh seeks fame, he also seeks to “destroy the evil.” This statement indicates a sense of human justice.

What is Enkidu’s first warning?

Enkidu warns Gilgamesh of the terrifying nature of Humbaba and that the storm god Enlil had made Humbaba guardian of the Cedar Forest. He insists that combat with Humbaba “is not an equal struggle.” [71]

FOR CLASS DISCUSSION: What personality trait does this warning exhibit?

Enkidu exhibits cautiousness.

What is Gilgamesh’s response?

Gilgamesh responds by declaring that even his death in the face of overwhelming odds would bring him fame. He marvels at what he sees as fear in Enkidu.

FOR CLASS DISCUSSION: What personality traits does Gilgamesh’s response suggest?

Gilgamesh exhibits fearlessness, a will to achieve fame, pride, and rashness. The interpretation is neither all positive nor all negative.

What is Enkidu’s second warning?

Still exhibiting caution, Enkidu advises Gilgamesh to speak to Shamash to whom the forest belongs.

• 3. When he prays to Shamash, what negative incentive does Gilgamesh give for going to the Cedar Forest?

Gilgamesh’s negative incentive is the oppressive despair of a quiet life in the city where one looks forward ultimately to an ignominious death.

What positive incentive does he give?

His positive incentive is the fulfillment of his destiny.

How does he use Shamash as a motive for the quest?

He puts Shamash on the spot by asking why the god gave him “the restless desire to perform” the deed, if it were not possible to do.

What promise does he make Shamash?

Finally, he promises Shamash gifts and praise if he is successful.

FOR CLASS DISCUSSION: What traits are revealed by Gilgamesh’s exchange with Shamash?

Gilgamesh exhibits sincerity, determination, restlessness, fear of a meaningless death and boldness (when he implicates Shamash).

• 4. What are Gilgamesh’s principal weapons?

His principal weapons are a sword, an axe ‑ “Might of Heroes,” and the bow of Anshan.

What is remarkable about them? What aspect of his character do they reiterate?

The weapons are remarkably heavy, reiterating his great strength and indicating military skill.

• 5. Who next tries to dissuade Gilgamesh? What aspect of his character do they invoke as proof of their view?

The counselors of Uruk attempt to dissuade Gilgamesh and refer to his youth (inexperience) and rashness (“your courage carries you too far” [73]).

What solution does Enkidu offer?

Enkidu suggests that Gilgamesh go to Ninsun to seek counsel.

• 6. After Ninsun prays to Shamash for Gilgamesh’s safety, what does she say to Enkidu?

She looks upon Enkidu as her adopted son. She then charges him with the task of serving and protecting Gilgamesh.

FOR CLASS DISCUSSION: What aspect of Gilgamesh and Enkidu’s relationship does Ninsun’s speech emphasize?

She emphasizes their brotherhood/friendship.

• 7. Who is Lugulbanda?

Lugulbanda is Gilgamesh’s guardian god (76) and his father (80).

• 8. What is Enkidu’s first warning when they arrive at the Cedar Forest?

Enkidu warns against opening the gate ‑ an act that once sapped the strength of his own hand.

What is Gilgamesh’s response?

Gilgamesh urges Enkidu, “do not speak like a coward…keep beside me…forget death and follow me, a man resolute in action.” [76‑77]

• 9. Interpret the meaning of Gilgamesh’s being overcome by weakness and falling asleep.

It is very likely that Gilgamesh fainted in response to his first exposure to the full fury of Humbaba. If so, the poet is showing us a very human side of Gilgamesh.

When he awakes, Gilgamesh moves with determination to defeat Humbaba. How does Enkidu react?

When he “wakes up,” he acts with courage and determination. Enkidu is equally determined to return to Uruk immediately, but Gilgamesh tells him, “Be not afraid, we can do this together.”

FOR CLASS DISCUSSION: What do Gilgamesh’s words to Enkidu indicate about his personality ‑ besides that he is determined?

He recognizes the greater power of combined strength, AND he recognizes Enkidu’s need for encouragement.

• 10. What trait does Gilgamesh exhibit when Humbaba pleads for his own life?

Gilgamesh shows compassion.

Why does he kill him?

Still, he kills Humbaba because Enkidu advises him to do so.

FOR CLASS DISCUSSION: What does this tell us about their relationship?

They rely totally upon one another.

Assignment for next class meeting: Read pp. 85‑113 of The Epic of Gilgamesh. Write out answers to the study guide questions.