The Epic of Gilgamesh is widely regarded as the world’s oldest surviving epic poem, originating from ancient Mesopotamia around 2100 BCE. Written in Akkadian on clay tablets, the story centers on Gilgamesh, the historical king of Uruk, and his journey from arrogant ruler to wise seeker of truth.
The epic explores fundamental themes such as friendship, mortality, the quest for eternal life, and human limitations. After the wild man Enkidu is tamed and becomes Gilgamesh's closest companion, the two embark on heroic adventures, including slaying the monster Humbaba and killing the Bull of Heaven. The gods punish them by causing Enkidu’s death, plunging Gilgamesh into grief and an existential crisis.
Haunted by Enkidu’s death, Gilgamesh sets out to discover the secret of immortality. He meets Utnapishtim, a figure reminiscent of Noah from the biblical flood, who tells him that eternal life is reserved for the gods. Ultimately, Gilgamesh fails to achieve immortality but gains wisdom, returning to Uruk to rule justly.
The Epic of Gilgamesh influenced many later literary and religious traditions. Parallels have been drawn between its flood story and those found in the Hebrew Bible, and its existential themes continue to resonate across cultures.
