The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the oldest known works of literature in the world. Written in ancient Mesopotamia, it tells the story of the legendary king Gilgamesh and his quest for immortality.
Here are six key facts to know about this ancient epic:
1. Written in Sumerian
The Epic of Gilgamesh is believed to have been written around 2000 BCE in the Sumerian language. It was later translated into Akkadian and other languages.
2. King of Uruk
The epic tells the story of Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk, and his journey to find eternal life. Along the way, he faces many challenges and makes friends with the wild man Enkidu.
3. 12 Tablets
The epic is divided into 12 tablets, and the story progresses through a series of adventures, including a battle with the giant Humbaba and a quest to find the immortal Utnapishtim.
4. Themes
The epic also explores themes of friendship, loss, and the human search for meaning and purpose.
5. Original Tablets
The original tablets of the epic have been lost to time, but fragments have been discovered in various archaeological sites in Mesopotamia.
6. Use Today
The epic has been translated into many languages and continues to be studied and reinterpreted by scholars and readers today. It has also been adapted into various forms of media, including literature, film, and theater.
