The Epic of Gilgamesh
Anonymous4,000 years old and still recognizably about the things that matter.
“When the gods created man, they allotted him death, but life they held in their own keeping.”
— Anonymous
Why It's Lindy
4,000 years old and still recognizably about the things that matter. It preceded Homer by over a millennium. If there is a single text that demonstrates the continuity of human concerns across time, it is this one.
About This Volume
The oldest surviving work of literature in human history, inscribed on clay tablets in ancient Mesopotamia. It follows King Gilgamesh of Uruk and his companion Enkidu through heroic and tragic adventures, culminating in Gilgamesh's confrontation with death and his futile search for immortality. Its themes — friendship, hubris, grief, and the limits of human knowledge — are as immediate now as they were 4,000 years ago.
Frequently Asked
Why should I read The Epic of Gilgamesh?
4,000 years old and still recognizably about the things that matter. It preceded Homer by over a millennium. If there is a single text that demonstrates the continuity of human concerns across time, it is this one.
What is The Epic of Gilgamesh about?
The oldest surviving work of literature in human history, inscribed on clay tablets in ancient Mesopotamia. It follows King Gilgamesh of Uruk and his companion Enkidu through heroic and tragic adventures, culminating in Gilgamesh's confrontation with death and his futile search for immortality. Its themes — friendship, hubris, grief, and the limits of human knowledge — are as immediate now as they were 4,000 years ago.
