Epic of Gilgamesh

Questions for Further Study

• 1. What role did geography play in the lives of the ancient Sumerians? What influence did geography have on the Epic of Gilgamesh?
• 2. In many ways, Gilgamesh is not a very appealing king, unlike, perhaps, the heroes of other epics. How does Gilgamesh change? Why does he change?
• 3. The Epic of Gilgamesh is frequently studied as a work of literature, similar to the epics of Homer or the epics associated with King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. In what sense, though, is Gilgamesh a religious document? What does it tell us about the religious beliefs of the ancient Sumerians?
• 4. What vision of immortality does Gilgamesh present? How does that vision differ from the vision of immortality in such religions as Christianity, Judaism, or Islam?
• 5. What role does Enkidu play in the Epic of Gilgamesh? Why is he an important character?