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"Epic of Gilgamesh" and "Confessions", 2006.
This paper examines the similarities and differences between the "Epic of Gilgamesh" and St Augustine's "Confessions," both written within a span of 2000 years, one fictional while the other autobiographical in nature.
2,880 words (approx. 11.5 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 85.95
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Abstract
This paper explores why both the "Epic of Gilgamesh" and "Confessions" currently continue to endure, even today, in regards to our perception of God, man's place in the universe, life and death, as well as fundamental human situations. The striking similarities between the main characters in both works are also explained in detail.
From the Paper
"One of the most striking similarities between the "Epic of Gilgamesh" and Augustine's "Confessions" is that the main characters are both wild and undisciplined in their youth. Gilgamesh is in fact the terror of his country, whose licentious behavior has angered his people, while Augustine freely admits that his own youth was characterized by sexual affairs. Furthermore, both men are saved from themselves by God (or the gods, as the case may be), who takes an active role in redeeming the hero.
The first book of the "Epic of Gilgamesh" opens with a passage describing how his people have begun to tire of his antics, ending with the question: "Is this shepherd of Uruk's flocks, our strength, our light, our reason, who hoards the girls of other men for his own purpose?"(1). Indeed, Gilgamesh is in some danger of becoming the villain of the epic, one "who harshly ruled and was not loved by those men whose girls he often played with all night long"
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"The Epic of Gilgamesh", 2003.
This paper discusses "The Epic of Gilgamesh" (anonymous), the story of Gilgamesh, the King of Uruk, which is the earliest known written epic, predating Homer by eight centuries.
785 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 0 sources, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that "The Epic of Gilgamesh" (anonymous), which was discovered in the mid-nineteenth century in the ruins of the great library at Nineva, was written on twelve clay tablets in the ancient Sumerian writing known as cuneiform and dated to 650 B.C. but pieces of the tablets were from 2000 B.C.. The author points out that these tablets are not necessarily the original writing, since certain linguistics believe that the story was written well before 2000 B.C., which is a definite possibility considering the fact that "The Epic of Gilgamesh" was originally an oral tradition passed down through generations. The paper relates that a major interest is that the flood written in "Gilgamesh" is almost identical to the flood story found in the Book of Genesis in the Bible.
From the Paper
"The story of "Gilgamesh" is essentially related to the ancient Sumerian culture, mainly since it is thought by some that the King truly did exist and the story is based on his real life rule. In the story, Gilgamesh rules the ancient Mesopotamian town of Uruk which actually existed at some point in time. He is said to be the son of the god Ninsun and a mortal father, however, historians have not obtained clear details on that matter. Although it is unclear whether or not King Gilgamesh actually existed, the story still acted as in "instructive text" for the people of Mesopotamia."
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The Dawn of Warfare in the 'Epic of Gilgamesh', 2008.
This paper discusses the dawn of warfare in the ancient text "Epic of Gilgamesh", translated by M. G. Kovacs.
1,359 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
The writer notes that the "Epic of Gilgamesh" is one of the most remarkable writings of the Babylonian ancient literature. Its main theme is the condition of man on earth as a mortal being. The writer discusses that the epic is centered on the relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu, the two legendary heroes and friends who pass together through initiating experiences. One of their most important heroic feats is the battle with Humbaba, the demon that guards the Cedar Forest, whom Gilgamesh eventually defeats. The writer notes that the episode of the battle with the demon is very significant for both the ancient and the modern interpretations of warfare. The writer maintains that, first of all, the battle of Gilgamesh against the demon is easily inscribed in the tradition of the battle of good against evil, common to most heroic epics, legends and myths. At the same time, though, modern interpretations of the passage arise when the wider context of the battle is analyzed. The writer concludes that the "Epic of Gilgamesh" has very interesting modern ramifications of meaning, mixed with the traditional epic storyline.
From the Paper
"The 'Epic of Gilgamesh' is a very profound text, which must have had great importance for its contemporary audience. First of all, the traditional battle of good against evil is emphasized throughout the epic. Also, the wars fought by the two friends together emphasize the classic theme of the quest for immortality. The warfare was not at the time done with the aid of any great technology. The braveness of heroes, the help of a beneficial god, such as Shamash in the text, the perfect communion between the two heroes, such were generally the main reasons why the battle was won in a classic epic. Thus, in the text, the episode of the battle against Humbaba describes the way in which the god Shamash raised all the winds to help Gilgamesh win the battle against the demon .. "
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Toni Morrison's "Beloved" and "The Epic of Gilgamesh", 2008.
Compares Toni Morrison's "Beloved" and "The Epic of Gilgamesh", translated by N. K. Sandars, as heroic literature.
1,450 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper introduces the heroic elements of the plots of Toni Morrison's "Beloved" and "The Epic of Gilgamesh", translated by N. K. Sandars. The writer explains that "The Epic of Gilgamesh", considered to be the first tale of a mortal hero, contains themes similar to biblical stories just as Morrison uses similarities of the biblical Cain to shape her main protagonist Sethe. The writer also explains that Morrison tries to break stereotypes through Sethe; while, Sanders in the "Epic" attempts to shatter the image of the vulnerability of male heroes. Both stories can be treated as literary landmarks because these characters defy the convention of a typical hero.
Table of Contents:
The Gilgamesh Epic
The Tale of Beloved
The Ideas of a Hero/Heroine
From the Paper
"Morrison also shows indebtedness to African American and African traditions and mythologies. Toni Morrison in her book has given a new style to fiction and the whole work is very imaginative and thought provoking. The typical master slave image of a strong man or a woman with a strong and healthy body but with a very servile attitude was prevalent but came the decade of 1910s that the African Americans started rebelling against the stereotypes and typical gender and racial roles associated with them. Toni used flight of the imagination and mythic elements along with realistic portrayal of racial, gender and class conflict."
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"Epic of Gilgamesh", 2008.
An examination of the plot and characters of the "Epic of Gilgamesh" and the lessons it teaches us today.
1,253 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
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."
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"The Epic of Gilgamesh", 2002.
A review of the ancient Babylonian text "The Epic of Gilgamesh".
930 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how "The Epic of Gilgamesh" has all the qualities of a classic epic, gods, heroes and huge battle scenes. It examines how the ancient Babylonian text, preserved on stone tablets, is representative of poetry in a number of ways and how some key elements stand out. It looks at how the friendship that develops between Gilgamesh and Enkidu is remarkable and evaluates how the role of women in the epic is also characteristic of epic poetry in general. They are strong figures, despite having supporting roles in the narrative. It looks at how Gilgamesh, through all his struggles and quests, emerges as a legendary hero. Of noble, semi-divine birth, Gilgamesh?s status remains unquestioned throughout the tale. His heroism is another hallmark of the epic genre and another reason why the poem endures for almost three millennia.
From the Paper
"Gilgamesh?s friendship with Enkidu is a central theme of the Epic, and such close male bonding is a universal characteristic of this type of literature. The two men begin as rivals of equal strength: ?So the mighty brothers fought at first / pushing and shoving each other / for hours and hours enraged. / Then a calm force soothed / then well-matched spirits / to bring a peace and rest their strife,? (Tablet 2, Column 4, lines 76-81). Proving their manliness and honor to one another, they solidified their friendship, which is described as ?sacred,? (Tablet 3, Column 1, lines 1-3). Furthermore, the two men both become bored with mundane city life, and decide to embark on a journey together. Fueled by each other?s bravery and courage, the two men endure many hardships along the way such as the demon Humbaba. Enkidu?s death devastates Gilgamesh, who overtly displays his human emotions by becoming severely depressed: ?Then Gilgamesh wept some more / for his dead friend?Despite respite / he could not sleep or dream that night. / Instead he wandered through the woods,? (Tablet 9, Column 1, lines 1-2; 19-21)."
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"Epic of Gilgamesh", 2002.
An analysis of the immortality of Gilgamesh in the "Epic of Gilgamesh".
650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 1 source, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper will discuss the "Epic of Gilgamesh", and seek to understand the basic premise of this ancient mythology. By exploring immortality, and the life of Gilgamesh, we can explore his adventures in the classic tale.
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The Flood in the "Epic of Gilgamesh", 2007.
An analysis of the values of the people at the time of the Flood, as related in the "Epic of Gilgamesh".
2,667 words (approx. 10.7 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 80.95
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This paper discusses the account of the Flood as describes in the "Epic of Gilgamesh". The paper looks at the ways in which Gilgamesh tackles the problems and opportunities presented by the Flood. It then describes what we can learn from this about what the people of Mesopotamia believed were important in interpersonal relationships and their values and beliefs about government, society, religion and art.
From the Paper
"The Epic of Gilgamesh remains pertinent today because its themes are universal. Gilgamesh' quest to attain the unattainable is a dream that is dear to many and which is fundamental to the spirit of inquiry and exploration that pervades Western thought. Gilgamesh' journey sets up a conflict between the human and the divine that resonates through the centuries, recalling battles between established authorities and traditions, and new ideas. It is also a story of self-discovery, for the hero must come to terms with not only his limits as an individual, but with the very real boundaries of being human. Human begins may want to live forever, and may wish always to know love and happiness, but this is not necessarily possible, for reasons that should become clear to Gilgamesh. In the end, we are all human, able to perceive what lies beyond, but not capable of understanding it all, or of possessing it."
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Akkadian History and the Epic of Gilgamesh, 2002.
A discussion of what history lessons can be learnt from the "Epic of Gilgamesh."
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 2 sources, $ 35.95
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This paper seeks to understand the historical implications within the "Epic of Gilgamesh". We can see the philosophy of the Akkadians, as the authors of the text, becoming the central role in the theme of unrealistic strength portrayed by Gilgamesh.
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"The Epic of Gilgamesh", 2005.
This paper discusses "The Epic of Gilgamesh", which is perhaps the oldest written story.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 2 sources, $ 35.95
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This paper examines the text of Tablet XI, "The Epic of Gilgamesh". The author compares the elements of the story in which Gilgamesh seeks the tree that "prevents decay" with the narrative of the "Garden of Eden" in the Old Testament. The paper relates possible reasons for the similarities and differences in these passages.
From the Paper
""The Epic of Gilgamesh" is a tale of a failed quest for immortality. Though his quest involves a number of killings, no death affects him as greatly as that of Enkidu. He is struck with fear that, like Enkidu, he will "lie down never to get up again" (Gilgamesh). Despite Siduri's warning to enjoy the remainder of his mortal life instead of hastening its end, Gilgamesh insists that the ferryman, Urshanabi, take him to Utnapishtim. This last attempt to find immortality fails, with Gilgamesh unable to even regain his youth. Gilgamesh fails first, because he slept instead of being vigilant. Utnapishtim refuses him immortality because Gilgamesh is unable to remain awake for the time that he is bidden, but allows him the use of a plant that will return his youth to him."
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"The Epic of Gilgamesh" and "Genesis", 2008.
A comparative analysis of the flood myth in two ancient writings, "The Epic of Gilgamesh" and "Genesis".
1,015 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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This paper explores the differences and similarities between "The Epic of Gilgamesh", one of the oldest recorded writings from Sumerian or Babylonian mythology, with "Genesis" from the Judeo-Christian Bible. The paper argues that one of the main differences between the epic and "Genesis", is the Babylonian view that the gods are dangerous for mortals, and that their laws are irrational and cannot be predicted by the human mind. For Judaism and Christianity, on the other hand, God is the bearer of righteousness and a symbol of justice and everything that is morally virtuous. Nonetheless, the paper holds that there is a striking resemblance between the two accounts. The paper attempts to provide evidence sustaining the claim that the Mesopotamian account of the great flood is highly relevant to Christianity. It concludes that the myth of the flood is valid and incorporated in Judaism and Christianity and also in the collective conscience of the peoples who did not follow Yahweh.
From the Paper
"The Judaic-Christian and the Mesopotamian systems of belief are in clear opposition. Christianity and Judaism praise respect and obedience for the divinity as evidence of God's greatness and moral righteousness. God is the central figure of the faith system because He represents all that is good and right thus humanity must obey Him; here obedience is understood as a definite obligation. On the other hand, for Mesopotamians, respect and piety are the result of humanity's acknowledgement that it is both mortal and weaker than the gods. In this sense, the two virtues are not moral obligations, but a practical attitude which serves as an acknowledgement of the superiority of nature in terms of its power over humans."
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?The Epic of Gilgamesh?, 2002.
This paper discusses the medieval literature, ?The Epic of Gilgamesh?.
650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 1 source, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper examines Gilgamesh's fear of death and subsequent search for immortality in ?The Epic of Gilgamesh?.
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The Epic of Gilgamesh, 2005.
A brief comparison of the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Judeo-Christian Bible.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 2 sources, $ 44.95
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The following paper delineates the host of similarities which bind together the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Book of Genesis. The paper argues that Adam and Enkidu are very much interchangeable, and that the same can be said also about Utnapishtim and Noah. Given that the Sumerian tale is so old extending back as it does almost to a prehistoric period, the paper suggests that the earliest tales of the Bible either drew from it or are rife with a startling number of coincidences.
From the Paper
"A Brief Comparison of the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Judeo-Christian Bible Few ancient tales are more engrossing than The Epic of Gilgamesh. The following paper will first contextualize the Epic by examining the ancient society which gave birth to it and proceed from there to review the ancient Sumerian tale and assess how its depiction of certain events compares - or does not compare - to the biblical depiction of those same occurrences. Ultimately, what should emerge is a recognition that Judeo-Christian literature owes part of its richness and splendor to pre-Christian civilizations. Time does not permit a lengthy exploration of the Sumerian culture which produced the enduring tale of Gilgamesh. Nonetheless, the Epic reflects an early culture that was and is, in many ways, quite similar to ancient Judeo-Christian culture."
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"The Epic of Gilgamesh", 2004.
A review of the epic poem of "Gilgamesh", providing a look at ancient Iraqi society.
2,500 words (approx. 10.0 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 75.95
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This paper discusses the "The Epic of Gilgamesh", which the author feels illustrates an understanding of the human spirit unbent by fickle gods and powerful kings. The paper portrays this as a story of human growth and acceptance of a difficult life and violent time in human history.
From the Paper
"In a time when natural disasters were the whims of the Gods, when hunger, disease, and death stalked ones life as surely as the wild beasts of the land, the epic poem of Gilgamesh found its way across the ancient landscape. It was unearthed as part of a library collected thousands of years before our time, yet ?reflects an ancient range of human experience and emotion not so far removed from our own? (Jackson, xi). In a cultural context of nomadic life and city-states, ancient Iraqis worshipped numerous gods. Every aspect of their life depended upon the favor their gods bestowed."
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"The Epic of Gilgamesh" and the Bible, 2004.
A comparison of "The Epic of Gilgamesh" and the Bible, focusing on "Genesis".
1,205 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 0 sources, $ 41.95
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This paper provides a brief analysis of certain sections from "The Epic of Gilgamesh" and compares them to the story of creation in "Genesis". It discusses elements, including the snake, Adam and Eve, temptation, and the flood.
From the Paper
"The snake is one of the representations that appear in both of the stories. In Gilgamesh, the snake confronts him while he is looking for everlasting life, which is contained within a flower. Even though he finds the flower, he drops it when the snake appears. The snake also confronts Adam and Eve in The Bible, and Eve is tempted by the snake to eat the fruit that makes her aware of sin. Adam also eats the fruit, and because of them, sin has continued through all generations, even to this day. This sin and wickedness is what eventually causes God to flood the earth with water in an effort to wipe out sin."
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