Gilgamesh. Study questions

1. In what kind of writing, using what material, was The Epic of Gilgamesh written?
2. About when did the real Gilgamesh live?
3. When were the oral stories about him probably first written down?
4. What is Gilgamesh's city called?
5. List some of the characteristics attributed to Gilgamesh?
6. List some images/metaphors that are used to describe Gilgamesh. What qualities do they convey?
7. List some of the hyperboles used used to describe him? Look up the meaning of "hyperbole", if you need to.
8. List some of his deeds that make him worthy of having his story told?
9. What does the size of the temple say about its builder?
10. What is the significance of "He walks out in front, the leader/and walks at the rear, trusted by his companions"?
11. What is Gilgamesh's parentage?
12. What objections do the people have about Gilgamesh's behavior?
13. What do the gods propose as a solution?
14. In what ways might Enkidu be a match for Gilgamesh?
15. What problem does the hunter encounter with Enkidu?
16. What does his father propose as a solution?
17. How is Enkidu transformed from a wild creature to a civilized human?
18. What is the effect of Enkidu's first sexual experience?
19. What does this suggest about human nature and sexuality?
20. What does Shamhat propose after they have been together for a week?
21. What is Enkidu's first reaction to her idea?
22. How does Shamhat describe court life in civilization? What does she tell Enkidu about Gilgamesh?
23. What does Gilgamesh learn from his dreams about the meteor and the axe?

1. How would you define a hero in Sumerian culture? What kind of man and leader does this culture seem to admire?
2. If Gilgamesh represents the pride of civilization, what might Enkidu represent?
3. Which of the eternal questions/conflicts seem at this point to be part of this story?
4. What values seem to be important to the culture?
5. Why is Enkidu said to be so similar to Gilgamesh ("his equal; ... his own reflection, his second self, stormy heart for stormy heart")?

1. How does Shamhat try to convince Enkidu to go to Uruk?
2. How is Enkidu like Gilgamesh, according to Shamhat?
3. What reason does Enkidu have to want to meet Gilgamesh, according to the narrator?
4. Before they con proceed to Uruk Shamhat want to make Enkidu look and act like a human. How does she accomplish this?
5. How does Enkidu learn about Gilbgamesh's abuse of his power?
6. How do Gilgamesh and Enkidu seal their friendship? Is it unusual?
7. Provide some specific reasons why Gilgamesh is set on fighting and killing the forst monster Humbaba.
8. What may have been his underlying motivation?
9. List some examples where Gilgamesh mentions mortality and eternal fame.
10. What is Gilgamesh's attitude about the quest?
11. How do the elders of Uruk respond?
12. What universal issues and conflicts seem to underlie this Tablet?