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 some of Gilgamesh’s dreams?
Which god helped Gilgamesh and Enkidu defeat Humbaba? How?
For discussion:
If Enkidu was intended to be Gilgamesh’s friend and counterpart, why isn’t he put directly in Uruk, near Gilgamesh? Why does he start life living with the animals in the forest?
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?
When dying, Enkidu curses the cedar gate or door, the Trapper, and the harlot. Why?
Enkidi dreams of the afterlife. What is it like?
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?
How do the gods react to the flood?
What is Gilgamesh’s test to gain eternal life? What happens?
What is the plant Utnapishtim tells Gilgamesh about? How does Gilgamesh get it? How does he lose it? To whom?
How does the story of Gilgamesh end?
For discussion:
Was Gilgamesh right to refuse Ishtar, considering all the trouble it caused?
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?