Mythology

Mythology Discussion Questions:

Gilgamesh

1. What are the first things we learn about Gilgamesh, in the opening of the epic? What does this tell us about the themes we are likely to see in the poem?

2. Describe what Gilgamesh is like early in the poem. How is he perceived by the gods? His people?

3. Who is Enkidu, and why is he created? How is he brought to Uruk? What is his first contact with Gilgamesh like? Describe his friendship with Gilgamesh -- why are the two so perfect for each other?

4. There are some big contrasts between nature and culture, male and female, wild and tame, divine and human. Think about what they are and what tensions they raise in the plot.

5. Who is Humbaba? Why do the heroes attack him?

6. How is Ishtar portrayed in the poem? Why does she come in conflict with Gilgamesh? What is the result of the attack of the Bull of Heaven?

7. What is Gilgamesh like after the death of Enkidu? What do you think about this transformation? What has caused it? Do you admire him or think less of him for his reaction to his friend's death -- or is that the right question to ask about an epic hero?

8. Who does Gilgamesh encounter on his way to the ends of the earth? Are these helpful or negative encounters? What do the people he meets think of his mission?

9. Who is Utnapishtim? How did he get to be immortal?

10. What's all this business about sleeping and the loaves of bread? What does it mean for Gilgamesh, and what does it all mean symbolically?

11. Are you satisfied by the end of the epic? Does it seem to resolve the issues of the poem? Is it a tragic or a fulfilling ending? What exactly do you think happened, and what feeling do you come away with?

Names and Terms

• Gilgamesh
• Enkidu
• Ninsun
• Ishtar
• Humbaba
• Shamash
• Siduri
• Utnapishtim
• Urshanabi
• Uruk
• Cuneiform