👑 Who (or what) is Gilgamesh?

1. The Man (and Mythic Hero)

• Gilgamesh was a semi-divine king of the ancient city-state of Uruk in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq).

• Described as two-thirds god and one-third human—a being of immense strength, wisdom, and pride.

• Historically, there was a King Gilgamesh around 2700 BCE, but the version we know is mythologized.

2. The Epic of Gilgamesh

• One of the earliest surviving works of literature in the world.

• Written in Akkadian (using cuneiform script) on clay tablets.

• Dates back to around 2100–1200 BCE, evolving over centuries.

• The version we mostly know today is the Standard Babylonian version, compiled by a scribe named Sin-leqi-unninni.

📖 What’s the Story About?

The Epic of Gilgamesh follows the hero’s journey and transformation:

🌀 Part 1: Arrogance & Power

• Gilgamesh starts off as a tyrannical king, abusing his power.

• The gods create Enkidu, a wild man, to challenge him.

• They fight → become best friends.

⚔️ Part 2: Adventure & Glory

• They battle mythical beings like Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven.

• This draws divine wrath—Enkidu dies as punishment.

💀 Part 3: Death & Transformation

• Devastated by Enkidu’s death, Gilgamesh becomes obsessed with mortality.

• He seeks Utnapishtim, the immortal man (like a Mesopotamian Noah), to learn how to live forever.

• After many trials, Gilgamesh learns: immortality is for the gods, but humans can achieve lasting legacy through wisdom and deeds.

🧠 Themes & Symbolism

• Mortality vs. Immortality

• Friendship

• Grief and the fear of death

• The soul’s journey of transformation

• Divine justice and human limits

• The power of legacy over literal eternal life

🌍 Why It Matters

• It’s humanity’s first epic hero’s journey—like a spiritual ancestor to Homer’s Odyssey, Dante’s Inferno, and even Star Wars.

• Offers insights into ancient religion, psychology, and existential questions still relevant today

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