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Epic of Gilgamesh
Sin-leqi-unninni (standard version)
The oldest known epic literature, following the hero-king Gilgamesh and his companion Enkidu. Contains the earliest flood narrative and themes of mortality.
Notable Academic Translations
N.K. Sandars (1960)Andrew George (1999)Stephen Mitchell (2004)
Recommended Reading Order
Andrew George's Penguin Classics translation (1999) is the standard scholarly-accessible edition, with a clear introduction to the tablets' fragmentary state.
Canonical Figures in this Text
Key heroes and divinities who feature prominently across the chapters of this work
Key Dramatic Scenes
Pivotal passages and mythological turning points recorded in this canon
- I
Gilgamesh and Enkidu Meet
(Tablet II)Enkidu wrestles Gilgamesh to a standstill, and the two become inseparable friends.
- II
The Slaying of Humbaba
(Tablet V)Gilgamesh and Enkidu journey to the Cedar Forest and kill its guardian, Humbaba.
- III
The Bull of Heaven
(Tablet VI)Gilgamesh spurns the goddess Ishtar, who sends the Bull of Heaven to punish him; the heroes kill it, and the gods condemn Enkidu to die.
- IV
The Death of Enkidu
(Tablet VII)Enkidu falls ill and dies, plunging Gilgamesh into grief and fear of his own mortality.
- V
The Quest for Immortality
(Tablets IX-XI)Gilgamesh seeks out the flood survivor Utnapishtim, fails to attain immortality, and returns to Uruk reconciled to his mortal fate.
Source Passages and Editorial Notes
Direct quotations are distinguished from editorial paraphrases and records awaiting verification.
Ref: Tablet I.27-30 / Tablet XI.155-160
Editorial paraphraseSurpassing all other kings, heroic in stature, brave scion of Uruk, wild bull on the rampage... who made pure offerings to the gods and sought the secret of eternal life.
Translator: Adapted composite; not a direct quotation from GeorgeEditorial composite; Andrew George not quoted directly
Featured in The Epic of Gilgamesh →Ref: Tablet XI.281-285
Original wording unverifiedThis plant is a remedy against despair; by it a man may regain his youthful vigor. I will take it to Uruk-the-Sheepfold, I will give it to the elders to eat, and I myself will eat it and return to my youth.
Translator: Andrew GeorgeAndrew George, 1999; wording not checked
Featured in The Epic of Gilgamesh →Stories Sourced from this Work
The Epic of Gilgamesh
The world's oldest known literary epic follows Gilgamesh, king of Uruk, on his quest for immortality after the death of his beloved friend Enkidu. His journey takes him to the ends of the earth and reveals profound truths about mortality and meaning.
The Great Flood and Utnapishtim
The gods decree a great flood to destroy humanity, but the wise god Ea warns Utnapishtim to build a boat and save the seed of all living things. This is the oldest known flood narrative, predating the biblical story of Noah.
Gilgamesh and Enkidu - The Birth of Friendship
The creation of Enkidu to balance the tyrannical Gilgamesh, his transformation from wild man to civilized hero, and the forging of history's greatest literary friendship.