ENG 2403 Axel-Lute
GILGAMESH study questions
Names to know:
When was Gilgamesh written (or told)? Where?
Why were the people of Uruk angry at Gilgamesh?
Why was Enkidu formed? How was he tamed?
What were Gilgamesh’s dreams?
Which god helped Gilgamesh and Enkidu defeat Humbaba? How?
Which god cursed them for killing Humbaba?
For discussion:
Who narrates Gilgamesh?
Why did Gilgamesh and Enkidu go after Humbaba?
Names to know:
Why does Gilgamesh refuse Ishtar? What does she do in return?
What does Gilgamesh do to the Bull of Heaven?
How does Enkidu die?
For discussion: Was Gilgamesh right to refuse Ishtar?
When dying, Enkidu curses the cedar gate, the Trapper, and the harlot. Why?
Why does Enkidu say he dies in shame?
Why does Gilgamesh go on his journey?
How does he get to the garden of the gods?
How do the gods always recognize him as mortal?
How does he get from the garden of the gods to the home of Utnapishtim?
What are the 120 poles for?
Which god ordered the flood? Why?
How did Utnapishtim escape the flood?
What is Gilgamesh’s test to gain eternal life? What happens?
How does Gilgamesh get the plant called “The Old Men Are Young Again”? How does he lose it? To whom?
How does the story of Gilgamesh end?
For discussion:
Which was more important to Gilgamesh in his search, sorrow for Enkidu’s death or fear of his own?
What are the relationships between the gods and mortals in Gilgamesh?
Were Gilgamesh and Enkidu really good friends? What did they do for each other?
How do nature and civilization interact in Gilgamesh?
What does Gilgamesh learn about the meaning of life? Is there any relevance in this lesson to our times?