Gilgamesh: the story on HearLore

Gilgamesh

Archaeologists have uncovered a seal impression dated to circa 2600 BC that depicts Gilgamesh and a mythical bull between two lions. This artifact was excavated in the Royal Cemetery at Ur and now resides in the National Museum of Iraq. The inscription on the seal reads "Gilgameš is the one whom Utu has selected." Most historians agree this figure represents a real ruler who governed the Sumerian city-state of Uruk during the Early Dynastic Period. Stephanie Dalley, a scholar of the ancient Near East, states that precise dates for his lifetime remain uncertain but likely fall between 2800 and 2500 BC. A thirty-four-line historiographic text known as the Tummal Inscription credits him with building the walls of Uruk. This document was written during the reign of Ishbi-Erra around 1953 BC. Fragments found at Mê-Turan suggest workers diverted the Euphrates river to bury him under its bed after death. He appears alongside King Enmebaragesi of Kish, another known historical figure from the same era.

Sumerian Poems And Myths

Five independent poems narrate the exploits of the hero before they were woven into later epics. The earliest surviving work is titled "Gilgamesh, Enkidu, and the Netherworld" and begins with a huluppu tree growing on the banks of the river Euphrates. The goddess Inanna moves the tree to her garden in Uruk intending to carve it into a throne once fully grown. A serpent named "who knows no charm," an Anzû-bird, and Lilitu invade the tree causing Inanna to cry with sorrow. Gilgamesh slays the serpent which causes the other creatures to flee. His companions chop down the tree and fashion a bed and throne for the goddess. She rewards his heroism by creating a pikku and mikku but he loses these objects. His servant Enkidu descends to the Underworld to retrieve them but disobeys strict laws and never returns. Another poem describes Gilgamesh's successful revolt against Agga king of Kish. A third text details how he defeats Huwawa an ogre appointed as guardian of the Cedar Forest. A fourth poem relates the defeat of the Bull of Heaven sent by Inanna. The fifth poorly preserved poem appears to describe a major state funeral followed by the arrival of the deceased in the Underworld.

When did Gilgamesh rule the Sumerian city-state of Uruk?

Most historians agree that Gilgamesh governed the Sumerian city-state of Uruk during the Early Dynastic Period. Stephanie Dalley states that precise dates for his lifetime likely fall between 2800 and 2500 BC.

Where was the seal impression depicting Gilgamesh found?

Archaeologists excavated a seal impression dated to circa 2600 BC in the Royal Cemetery at Ur. This artifact now resides in the National Museum of Iraq with an inscription reading Gilgameš is the one whom Utu has selected.

Who composed the standard Akkadian version of the Epic of Gilgamesh?

Sîn-lēqi-unninni composed the standard Akkadian version of the epic during the Middle Babylonian Period between 1600 BC and 1155 BC. The most complete surviving version rests on twelve clay tablets found in the Library of Ashurbanipal at Nineveh dating to the seventh century BC.

What happened when Gilgamesh rejected Ishtar's advances?

Ishtar demanded Gilgamesh as her consort after he rejected her advances so she sent the Bull of Heaven which they killed offering its heart to Shamash. Enkidu died after dreaming of the Underworld following their victory while Tablet VII records Gilgamesh's death and Tablet VIII details his inconsolable grief.

When did Austen Henry Layard discover the Akkadian text of Gilgamesh?

Austen Henry Layard discovered the Akkadian text in 1849 AD within the Library of Ashurbanipal at Nineveh. George Smith produced the first translation in the early 1870s publishing the Flood story from Tablet XI under the title The Chaldean Account of Genesis in 1880.

Gilgamesh

Sumerian Poems And Myths

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Common questions

When did Gilgamesh rule the Sumerian city-state of Uruk?

Where was the seal impression depicting Gilgamesh found?

Who composed the standard Akkadian version of the Epic of Gilgamesh?

What happened when Gilgamesh rejected Ishtar's advances?

When did Austen Henry Layard discover the Akkadian text of Gilgamesh?

Akkadian Epic Composition

Archaeological Rediscovery

Modern Literary Adaptations

Psychological Interpretations