The story begins through a narrator who introduces Gilgamesh, the creator of Uruk and peace keeper of Anu and Ishtar. “This is Uruk, the city of Gilgamesh the wild Ox, son of Lugalbanda, son of the lady Wildcow Ninsun” –Pg. 3-4. Aururu the mother and creator of Gilgamesh is asked by Uruk’s old men to create an equal to the ruler Gilgamesh. This is how Enkidu comes to life. In these first paragraphs, one can appreciate the belief in polytheism of the setting of the story since it mentions several gods such as Ninuarta, the god of war and Sumuqan, the god of cattle. The story then takes the reader to the story of a hunter who can’t get to his prey because of Enkidu, who helps the gazelles get out of the hunter’s traps. “The wild man set’s them free. Because of him I am no longer a hunter.” -Pg. 6. The hunter seeks Gilgamesh’s help, who sends back with him a temple prostitute who seduces him to leave the animals and go to Uruk and challenge Gilgamesh. “ ‘It is I, Enkidu. The strength of the wild man born in the wilderness cannot be withstood.’ ” -Pg. 9. Gilgamesh then describes a dream to his mother Ninsun, who answers that a person who will arrive is going to protect him. “He will protect and guard you with his life. This is the fortunate meaning of your dream.” Pg. 11.
Enkidu arrives at Uruk for Gilgamesh’s wedding and they fight making great noise through Uruk but they finally stop fighting amongst equals and start embracing, kissing and holding hands. They join fronts and head to the cedar forest against Huwawa, the king of the forest. “ how it is Gilgamesh will kill Huwawa, and cut the cedar down and win the glory.” -Pg. 19 Ninsun feels frightened of this idea as she describes Huwawa. “ ‘Why have you given my son a restless heart? No one has ever undergone the journey that he will undergo. Huwawa’s mouth is fire.” –Pg. 20 The whole city gives them it’s love and best wishes. Ninsun adopts Enkidu as her son and both Ishmael and Enkidu depart for the journey of their lives.
It is very interesting how there are no paragraphs in this book which has changed all my ideas of ancient epic drama. I look forward for the next tablet of this story which promises life lessons, and entertainment.
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2 comments:
What does Gilgamesh's dream mean?
As for the paragraphs, as we said in class this is poetry, or verse.
In general you need to avoid plot summary. Look at my blog entry that describes the different ways you can approach blogging for ideas.
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whole city gives them it’s love
its
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