GilgameschEpos

The Gilgamesh Epic is one of the oldest known works of literature, originating from ancient Mesopotamia around the 12th century BCE. It is a foundational text of Western literature and is considered one of the earliest surviving works of fiction. The epic is written in Akkadian, a Semitic language, and is preserved on a series of twelve clay tablets discovered in the early 20th century in the library of the ancient city of Ashurbanipal in Nineveh, Iraq.

The story revolves around the hero Gilgamesh, a demigod king of Uruk, and his quest for immortality. The epic explores themes of friendship, mortality, and the human condition. Gilgamesh's journey takes him to the Cedar Forest, where he encounters the demon Humbaba, and to the underworld, where he meets the goddess Ishtar and the demon Utnapishtim. The epic concludes with Gilgamesh's return to Uruk, where he is hailed as a hero but ultimately remains mortal.

The Gilgamesh Epic has had a profound influence on Western literature and culture. It has been translated into numerous languages and has inspired countless works of art, music, and literature. The epic's themes of mortality, friendship, and the human condition continue to resonate with readers today, making it a timeless classic of world literature.