1. Synopsis A tyrannical king, Gilgamesh was a two-thirds god and one-third human.

It was he who in his glory builds the great walls of Uruk to keep his people from outside falsest but not from himself. He oppressed his people so they cried up to the sky god, Anu. In response Anu created Enkidu to counter Gilgamesh where the contest leads to strong friendship. Together, they embarked on an expedition against Humbaba which they won. Gilgamesh grew in wisdom and conceit after refusing the goddess love; the enraged Ishtar sent the bull of heaven which was defeated by Gilgamesh and Enkidu. Enkidu is dead after twelve days of sickness and Gilgamesh mourned his loss by standing over his bed and remembering all the gallant adventures they had been on together. Gilgamesh honors his friend as promised and erects a monument in his honor. Through Enkidus death, Gilgamesh realized his own immortality and angst's over it. Gilgamesh knew of one man who has overcome mortality, Utanapishtim, that he is determined to find him and discover the secret of his immortality. Utunapishtim set Gilgamesh up for a test to see if he is worthy of immortality by asking him to be without sleep. He must not lie down for 6 days and 7 nights Gilgamesh failed the task but Utunapishtims wife is merciful and convinces Utunapishtim to give him another secret of the gods; the gift is a plant that will make him a young man again Gilgamesh is weary of the plants power so he waited to test it until he returns to Uruk However, before he can return to Uruk, a snake ate the plant and Gilgamesh returned empty handed. 2. Character list Characters Gilgamesh Role The protagonist of the story and the King of Uruk. He is credited with having built the city walls of Uruk to protect its people. A wild man who becomes Gilgamesh's best friend. A temple prostitute sent by Gilgamesh to civilize Enkidu. Shamhat seduces Enkidu and he sleeps with her for six days and seven nights. Gilgamesh's mother and a goddess. She prays for Gilgamesh and Enkidu before they embark to fight Humbaba in the cedar forest. The Guardian of the cedar forest. Humbaba is defeated and killed by Gilgamesh and Enkidu. Goddess of Love, Fertility, and War, and daughter of Anu. Ishtar sends the Bull of Heaven to attack Gilgamesh after he spurns her advances. The father of the Sumerian Gods. Ishtar appeals to him for help after Gilgamesh spurns her advances The boatman who takes Gilgamesh over the waters of the dead to see Utnapishtim.

Enkidu Shamhat Ninsun Humbaba Ishtar Anu

Urshanabi

Utnapishtim

Gilgamesh seeks him out after Enkidu's death. Utnapishtim tells Gilgamesh of the flood and tells him where to find a magic plant that can grant immortality. Referred to in some translations as "Gugalanna," the Bull of Heaven was sent to punish Gilgamesh for rejecting Ishtar's sexual advances. Gilgamesh and Enkidu slay the Bull of Heaven and insult Ishtar. She discourages Gilgamesh on his pursuit for immortality but ultimately directs him to the boatman Urshanabi The storm god, wind god, and god of destiny.

The Bull of Heaven

Siduri

Enlil

Lugalbanda

The father of Gilgamesh, a great hero king of Uruk.

Aruru Nergal

The mother goddess who established life and death. Lord of the underworld.

Ninurta

The god of war, chaos, and silence.

Shamash

The god of light and the sun, he aids Enkidu and Gilgamesh in their fight with Humbaba. The god of the moon.

Sin

Sumuqan

The god of cattle.

3. Questions to answer: a. How did Gilgamesh and Enkidu develop a strong relationship? The friendship between Enkidu and Gilgamesh began as enemies, since Enkidu was created by the gods to counter Gilgamesh's oppression to his people. And after they fought each other, they accepted each other's strength and weaknesses and became best friends. The love the friends have for each other makes Gilgamesh a better man. Together they fought Humbaba and the bull of heaven which they defeated; Humbaba cursed Enkidu and Enkidu end up dying. Gilgamesh lamented him for days. He travelled the world alone searching for the meaning of life. He went to the ancient one to help him gain immortality but in the end he failed. b. What does Gilgameshs failure signify humans? Like Gilgamesh, humans also want to search for the real meaning of life. Similar to what Gilgamesh did, humans also wants to live long and even acquire immortality but we all know that we cannot escape death for there is a day which is set for us to pass c. What views of humans does the epic express? d. What universal themes are demonstrated in the epic?