Gilgamesh Background
In the beginning of the epic, what type of king is Gilgamesh?
As a cruel tyrant
Why did the gods create Enkidu?
To provide a companion and a guide for Gilgamesh
Who guards the Cedar Forest?
The demon Humbaba
Why does Gilgamesh leave Uruk after Enkidu dies?
To find Utnapishtim and ask him how he can avoid death
What is the magical plant that Utnapishtim tells Gilgamesh about supposed to do?
Bring people youth
Which of the following most accurately describes the mortality of Gilgamesh?
Two-thirds god; one-third mortal
What does Gilgamesh's mother tell him his dream means?
That a companion is coming to help Gilgamesh
For what purpose do Gilgamesh and Enkidu finally decide to battle Humbaba?
To secure their fame
What advice does Siduri, the tavern keeper, give to Gilgamesh?
To enjoy his life in this world
Who steals the magical plant?
A snake
How was The Epic of Gilgamesh preserved?
In writing on clay tablets(Cuneiform)
Who introduces Enkidu to civilization?
Shamhat ("The Hot Girl")
What advice do the elders give to Gilgamesh in order to ensure his safety in defeating Humbaba?
Let Enkidu help you and be your guide
How does Urshanabi’s boat cross the Waters of Death?
Gilgamesh fastens poles to it to help it across the ocean after he destroyed it
What realization finally helps Gilgamesh become a better king?
He is mortal
When did the real Gilgamesh live?
In 2100 BCE
Why does Gilgamesh reject Ishtar?
Because he knows that she would never be faithful
What does the Bull of Heaven bring to the city of Uruk?
Flood
What test does Utnapishtim give to Gilgamesh, to see if he is worthy of eternal life?
He asks him to stay awake for six nights and seven days
TRUE or FALSE: Gilgamesh learns how to defeat death by the end of the story.
False, Gilgamesh accepts his fate as a mortal king after his meeting with Utnapishtim.
What river flows past Uruk?
The Euphrates
Gilgamesh dreams that a mountain falls on top of him and Enkidu. What does Enkidu say this dream foretells?
Gilgamesh and Enkidu’s triumph over Humbaba
What does Enkidu foresee the night of the killing of the Bull?
Gods debating his fate (death)
How did Utnapishtim find out that the gods were planning to destroy the world with a flood which allowed him to gain immortality?
Ea, the god of wisdom, whispered the plans to him
What is the main message (theme) of the Gilgamesh epic?
Death is inevitable. Gilgamesh must learn the difficult lesson that, even as a king, he too must face the reality of his own death.