"Epic of Gilgamesh"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the "Epic of Gilgamesh," which is an ancient Sumerian legend about a semi-divine king. It describes the plot of the story and the central meaning of the "Epic of Gilgamesh." The paper also discusses the characters' motives and the role of the narrator. The paper then focuses on what the story teaches us in terms of insights into human nature, human consciousness and human history.

From the Paper:

"Although he knows he will die, Gilgamesh leaves a legacy that in fact helps him become immortal. Gilgamesh records his story for posterity, showing that through suffering he found a means to achieve wisdom and peace. His city, his leadership role, and his epic serve as symbols that readers still learn from. Thus, the Epic of Gilgamesh offers a timeless message about the human nature and about human society. Although the social context in which the Epic of Gilgamesh was written differs strongly from that of modern readers, the core messages about friendship, leadership, mortality, and humanity remain the same. In fact, the flood story from the Epic of Gilgamesh is repeated in the Old Testament, which has become a foundation of modern culture as well. Although times may change, some of the core aspects of human nature and social organization remain the same. Ultimately, the Epic of Gilgamesh shows how human beings can learn to accept their limitations and their suffering, and come to terms with death."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Brown, Arthur A. "Storytelling, the Meaning of Life, and The Epic of Gilgamesh." Exploring Ancient World Cultures. Retrieved July 10, 2007 from http://eawc.evansville.edu/essays/brown.htm
• The Epic of Gilgamesh. Translated by Maureen Gallery Kovacs. Retrieved online July 13 2007 from http://www.ancienttexts.org/library/mesopotamian/gilgamesh/tab1.htm

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