Interesting Points about the Epic of Gilgamesh

This was an exercise we had to do for a class, for my Introduction to Literature Module, so I thought I'd summarise, and post up what I found when I read through 'The Epic of Gilgamesh.' Quick bit of background; the Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the oldest texts in the world, translated from carvings on 12 clay tablets, and it focuses on a quest undertaken by Gilgamesh himself, and his companion Enkidu. Gilgamesh is something like 2/3 god, 1/3 man, and Enkidu was originally created as a beast like man in order to destroy Gilgamesh. Instead, he was 'tamed' by a harlot, and becomes Gilgamesh's closest friend. In the undertaking of the quest, Enkidu dies, and Gilgamesh grieves. The text ends with a version of the 'Great Flood' narrative found in practically every culture across the world.


1) Why does Gilgamesh exist?


Some motive is given for Gilgamesh's creation; "kingship is your destiny", "to be the darkness and light of mankind", but we are given very little information about his creation. There is no narrative, no story to it; this contrasts with the typical long and complex backstories given to classical heroes. In Greek literature, for example, a 'godchild' character will always have his origin and history woven into the narrative. Achilles, another great heroic character, has his origin and birth clearly defined within narrative; his mother, the nymph Thetis, was pursued by both Poseidon and Zeus until a prophesy foretold that her child should far surpass his father. Thus, Thetis was left free to marry Peleus and conceive Achilles. We know all this, and much more, about Achilles's origins but we know almost nothing about Gilgamesh's. 

2) Parallels with the Bible

Woman, in the form of "the harlot" gives Enkidu wisdom, makes him "like a god" with her "woman's art." There's clear parallels between this and the story of Eve, who with her gift of the apple brings Adam "divine wisdom." When we read on a little further, the parallels become even clearer; the harlot clothes Enkidu, takes him from his home (which was like paradise to him) just as Eve makes Adam aware of his naked state, and causes both of them to be thrown out of Eden. Interestingly, the "harlot" is seen as a much more positive character than Eve. Eve is the root of man's downfall, the original sinner, but the harlot is seen as Enkidu's savior, a character with great wisdom and intelligence. This highlights the way culture shapes texts; literary historians have theorized that in the time of Gilgamesh, women were seen as much more independent and strong than at the time of the Bible's composition. 
     There are a few other parallels with the Bible; the "seven years of drought" that will require "saved grain" is repeated in the story of Joseph, son of Jacob, in the Bible, as anyone who has seen the musical could tell you.