Essay on Epic of Gilgamesh
Answer the following questions in your own words in two to four complete sentences. Type your answers and submit them as a Word or PDF file on Canvas Assignments (no Google docs, Pages, or screen shots of handwritten text).
What kind of person is Gilgamesh to begin the story?
How does Enkidu “balance” Gilgamesh’s behavior with his actions in order to help him learn?
What does Gilgamesh tell Ishtar? What has he learned?
How does Utanapishtim become immortal?
What advice does Utanapishtim give Gilgamesh about seeking immortality?
Since the first written version of Gilgamesh appeared at least eight centuries before the bible (the Torah or “Old Testament”), what is the issue regarding Utanapishtim’s story of the flood?
What exactly is a “cult,” and what duty did the priestesses of the cult of Ishtar have? Why was this considered sacred rather than evil?
In what does Gilgamesh find meaning at the end of the story?
Name one way in which Gilgamesh grows as a person.
What is the most important thing that Gilgamesh does when he returns to Uruk?
1. What kind of person is Gilgamesh to begin the story?
At the beginning of the story, Gilgamesh was considered as a bad character. In fact, his actions and personality were not heroic at all. He was powerful and influential, but he was terrifying. He sacrifices his kingdom’s warriors for no reason, he rapes women, takes away the rights of people, and abuses his power.
