The Epic of Gilgamesh was written around 2000 B.C. in the Sumerian language. It was
written about the historical king of Uruk in Babylonia who lived about 2700 B.C. It was written
in cuneiform on clay tablets which were found in the ruins of the library of Ashurbanipal. One of
the most important points of the tablets is that they actually name an author. This is extremely
rare in the ancient world. The author, Shin-eqi-unninni, is the oldest author that can be named.
Gilgamesh was two-thirds god and one-third human and ruled over Sumer oppressively.
He was very arrogant and cocky so because of this, the people cry out to the god Anu to help
them. In response, he creates theopposite of Gilgamesh; an equal rival. His name is Enkidu and is
first seen running naked with wild animals. He is taken in by some shepards who civilize him so
that he can walk into the city. Eventually, Gilgamesh and Enkidu battle but the turnout results in a
friendship between the two superpowers. Both Enkidu and Gilgamesh begin to weaken and grow
lazy living in the city so Gilgamesh decides to embark upon a great adventure by cutting down all
the all of the trees in the great Cedar Forest. To do this, however, they need to defeat Humbaba
the terrible who is the Guardian of the great Cedar Forest. But, due to Gilgamesh's fatal flaw of
arrogance, he doesn't listen to Enkidu's words of wisdom. This flaw is classic of the hero in an
epic. The two set off to defeat Humbaba and succeed in doing so. Just before Gilgamesh beheads
the demon, Humbaba curses Enkidu by saying that he will die before Gilgamesh and will "not find
peace in in this world." After battling a bull and killing it, Enkidu becomes very sick and after
suffering for twelve days, he finally dies.
Gilgamesh is very disheartened by his "soul mate('s)" death and laments for many days. He
begins his journey to find Utnapishtim
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