Mesopotamian Literature: The Epic of Gilgamesh and Other Tales

The Epic of Gilgamesh was originally written in Akkadian, a Semitic language spoken in ancient Mesopotamia.

Gilgamesh is the main protagonist of the epic, a legendary king of Uruk.

Enkidu is Gilgamesh's close friend and companion, created by the gods to challenge Gilgamesh's arrogance.

Gilgamesh's primary quest is to find the secret of immortality after the death of his close friend Enkidu.

Siduri, the goddess of wine, provides Gilgamesh with guidance and advice during his quest.

Utnapishtim is the wise man who survived the great flood and possesses the secret of immortality.

Gilgamesh seeks the herb of life, which is believed to grant immortality, as part of his quest.

Humbaba is the guardian of the Cedar Forest, whom Gilgamesh and Enkidu defeat in their quest for immortality.

Gilgamesh encounters Ereshkigal, the goddess of the underworld, during his quest to rescue Enkidu.

Enuma Elish is the Babylonian creation myth that describes the creation of the world and the gods.

Ishtar is the Babylonian goddess associated with love, beauty, and fertility.

Ea is the Babylonian god of wisdom and knowledge.

Shamash is the Babylonian god associated with the sun and justice.

Nergal is the Babylonian god of the underworld.

Adad is the Babylonian god associated with storms and rain.