What is the Epic of Gilgamesh?
Q: What is the Epic of Gilgamesh?
A: The Epic of Gilgamesh is an epic poem from ancient Mesopotamia.
Q: What is the significance of the Epic of Gilgamesh?
A: It is one of the earliest works of literary fiction known and often credited as being one of the first literary works with emphasis on immortality.
Q: Who is Gilgamesh in the epic?
A: Gilgamesh is a mythological hero-king who has become distracted and disheartened by his rule.
Q: Who is Enkidu in the epic?
A: Enkidu is Gilgamesh's friend who is half-wild and who undertakes dangerous quests with Gilgamesh.
Q: What is the main focus of the Epic of Gilgamesh?
A: Much of the epic focuses on Gilgamesh's thoughts of loss following Enkidu's death.
Q: How was the most complete version of the Epic of Gilgamesh preserved?
A: The most complete version of the epic that exists today was preserved on twelve clay tablets in the library collection of the 7th century BC Assyrian king Ashurbanipal.
Q: Is the Epic of Gilgamesh widely known today?
A: Yes, the epic is widely read in translation, and the hero, Gilgamesh, has become an icon of popular culture.
