Smarr Publishers English for en RTOS Efe Sie ps ATA oj Gilgamesh by Robert W. Watson Copyright © Watson Educational Services, Inc, 2006 All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. For information, please write Smarr Publishers, 4917 High Falls Road—Suite 201, Jackson, Georgia 30233 or call (678) 174-8374, ‘Smarr Publishers text T6004 is compatible with the study guide. $9.95 IN USAIntroduction To The Epic of Gilgamesh JHE EPIC OF GILGAMESH is the earliest example of literature in the world. The character of Gilgamesh is timeless in that he portrays very human emotions and most people in all ages who have suffered a special loss can identify with Gilgamesh. Yet, King Gilgamesh is a man without the knowledge of the true and living God; thus, his frustrations and fears reflect the dilemma faced by all mankind from the beginning of creation: how can one reconcile himself with death, and is there life after death? The epic is divided into two parts. The first part centers on the friendship between Gilgamesh, and Enkidu. These men complement each other. Gilgamesh becomes more aware of emotional feelings, while Enkidu becomes somewhat refined. You will notice that before his fall, Enkidu is very happy in his “natural” condition. However, as he becomes corrupted by the ways of civilization, Enkidu becomes unhappy because he now sees the death in things. The epic implies that if man is left in his natural condition and is allowed to live as simply as possible, then all will be in harmony with nature. So, the teachings of the moder environmental movement, or neo-Romanticism, are not so new after al. ‘The second part details Gilgamesh’s quest to find eternal life. Gilgamesh abandons reason and becomes an emotional wreck. While everyone tells him that the quest for etemal life is hopeless, Gilgamesh feels there is something more to life than just living to die. Yet, Gilgamesh thinks in such a way which all pagans think: eternal life is in a thing or an object that can be touched. Faith in the commandments of God do not play a role in the lives of pagans. Thus, the tale of Gilgamesh shows the major conflict between worldviews early in recorded history. There are two—and only two—worldviews that one can adopt. These worldviews are either the Biblical worldview or the pagan one, and they are contrary to each other. Regarding origins, it is either divine creation or evolution, Regarding final authority, it is either the Bible or the state, Regarding religion, it is either freedom of conscience or state-imposed religion. Regarding devotion, it is either faith supported by obedience or works supported by mysticism. Indeed, the two positions are as different as day and night, having no commonality of agreement. ‘There are some very interesting characters in the epic, from the grotesque Humbaba to the wise Utnapishtim, who is clearly Noah found in Genesis. You will notice that several of the characters will try to discourage Gilgamesh’s searching for eternal life. Consider the arguments of the characters carefully. One point will become evident. The pagan gods of Gilgamesh are clearly created in the image of man and therefore represent the worst of mankind’s faults. You should contrast the gods in the epic with the true and living God of the Bible. By reading this tale, you will be entering into strange worlds as Gilgamesh takes you on a joumey not soon forgotten. ROBERT W. WATSON2/ The Epic of Gilgamesh The Epic of Gilqamesh Lesson One 1.1 Vocabulary mien 1 rend v meld v. flout v spectral ad). 1.2 Vocabulary Exercise: Which two words do not belong with each set? 1. mien bearing estate manor manner 2. rend mend tear repair shred 3. meld separate unite bond part 4, flout ridicule mock honor respect 5. spectral corporeal ghostly tisky phantasmal 1.3 Reading Assignment: The Epic of Gilgamesh, pp. 1-12 1.4 Questions 1. What two rivers flowed through Babylonia? Gilgamesh reigned in what city? . Why did the people wish for a new order of things? 4. Who sees Enkidu one day after he set a animal free from a trap? ‘What could Enkidu do like any other man? 6. The trapper plans to ensnare Enkidu with what? 7. How did Gilgamesh receive the story about Enkidu? 8. How do the animals react to Enkidu after he knows the harlot? 9. In his first dream, Gilgamesh is unable to do what? 10. To whom does Gilgamesh relate the dream?AL 12, B 14, 16. 7. 18. 19. 20. 15. The Epic of Gilgamesh / 3 In his second dream, Gilgamesh is unable to do what? The interpretation of both dreams are essentially the same. What is the interpretation? The harlot tells Enkidu that he needs to stop being a beast and go to what city? Where does the harlot take Enkidu at first? Finally, Enkidu goes to the city. How is he received by the people? After becoming friends, Gilgamesh tells Enkidu that they are going to kill whom? ‘What is Enkidu’s reaction to Gilgamesh’ idea? ‘What is Gilgamesh’s explanation why Enkidu has no strength? ‘What does Gilgamesh propose to cut in order to kill the fiend? Enkidu points out three things about the fiend that will make the task of killing him very difficult. What are these three things? Gilgamesh states that if he should die, what honor will he receive? ‘What is the reason that Gilgamesh states why the youth should fight this battle with the fiend? Why do the people state that Enkidu should lead the way and not Gilgamesh? . Critical Thinking Compare and contrast the fall of Enkidu with the fall of Adam in Genesis. Compare and contrast Gilgamesh’s view of war with that of the Elders.41 The Epic of Gilgamesh The Epic of Gilgamesh Lesson Two 2.1. Vocabulary sentinel 7, din ». pallid ad, vex v 2.2 Vocabulary Exercise: Which two words do not belong with each set? 1. sentinel guard sentry fence gate 2. din cave abyss cauterwauling clamor 3. pallid wan bright pale sunny 4. vex comfort calm agitate bother 2.3. Reading Assignment: The Epic of Gilgamesh, pp. 12-2 2.4. Recall Questions 1. Before going to Humbaba’s woods, with whom do the two men speak? To whom does Ninsun pray? 3. What gift does Ninsun give to Enkidu? 4, The two men are about to enter the woods. What blocks their way? ‘What happens to Enkidu as he tries to open the gate? 6. The land of Humbaba is known by three names. What are these names? Gilgamesh dreams two dreams. What is the first dream about? 8, What is the second dream about? 9. Whom does Humbaba attack first? 10. Who brings Humbaba to the ground? 11, What does Humbaba promise to Gilgamesh if the king spares his life?The Epic of Gilgamesh / 5 12. In the morning after the battle, who appears to Gilgamesh? 13. What does she bring with her? 14. What is her desire with Gilgamesh? An oxymoron is the combination of two terms that in normal usage are actually opposites, such as “bitter sweet.” Can you find an example of an oxymoron on page 25? 15. What happened to Ishullanu after he falls in love with Ishtar? 16, After she is insulted by Gilgamesh, to whom does the goddess go? 17. What is now the desire of Ishtar? 18. What does the Bull of Heaven represent? 19. Who kills the Bull of Heaven? 20. With what does Enkidu hit Ishtar? 21. Enkidu Jeams from Enlil in a dream that what must happen to him? 22. What does Enkidu imagine are on his arms? 23. What sort of creature does Enkidu see? 24. Affier Enkidu states, “All life is passing,” he sees the gods doing what? 2.5. Critical Thinking + One often hears there is a fine line between love and hate. Explain how Ishtar shows both of her attributes of love and war when confronting Gilgamesh. + Isthe “love” of Ishtar really love or is it lust? Explain your answer. + Pagan worship centers on the worship of reproduction and sex. How is sex prominent in The Epic of Gilgamesh? What role does sex have in the Scriptures, particularly in the Song of Solomon?6/ The Epic of Gilgamesh The Epic of Gilgamesh Lesson Three 3.1 Vocabulary dank adj keen adj sundry adj. sustenance n. asstiage v. abate v 3.2 Vocabulary Exercise: Which two words do not belong with each set? 1. dank damp frigid freezing humid 2. keen smart dull canny blunt sundry various diverse separate distant 4. sustenance face visage livelihood keep 5. assuage ease fight conflict quell 6. abate subside recede increase rise 3.3 Reading Assignment: The Epic of Gilgamesh, pp. 3.4 Rec: Questions 1. Gilgamesh makes a cape of what? Gilgamesh decides to search for what? To whom does Gilgamesh decide to go? 4, Who is the “round /Bright deity of evening sky”? ‘What shape does the two guards have that guard the entrance past the Mash mountain? 6. Why does the stare of the creatures fail to harm Gilgamesh? 7. Afler going through the Road of the Sun, Gilgamesh finds himself where? 8. Who does Gilgamesh meet as soon as he comes to the sea shore? 9. Why is the woman afraid of Gilgamesh? 10. What advice does she give to Gilgamesh about Enkidu?The Epic of Gilgamesh / 7 11. The woman states that the gods have bestowed upon men what? 12. When Gilgamesh decides to leave, what arguments does the woman offer him in order that he might stay? 13. Who will be able to help Gilgamesh to cross the Lake of Death? 14, Before he leaves the inn, what does Gil amesh do to the gate and fence? 15. What blocks the path of Gilgamesh which he breaks into pieces? 16. At first, the boatman states that he cannot help Gilgamesh cross the Lake of Death. Why? 17. Finally, the boatman tells Gilgamesh that he might be able to cross the lake by doing what? 18. How does Gilgamesh use the last pole? 3.5. Critical Thinking: + How valid are the objections to finding eternal life, which are posed to Gilgamesh by the scorpions and Siduri? What is the nature of these arguments? «The Epic of Gilgamesh does not have a Devil like the one found in the Bible. However, is, there an entity or force that represents evil? Discuss.8 / The Epic of Gilgamesh The Epic of Gilqamesh Lesson Four 4.1 Vocabulary doleful adj august ad node 7. sate v 4.2 Vocabulary Exercise: Which two words do not belong with each set? 1. doleful solemn rich plentiful gloomy 2. august ngjestic awful common mundane 3. node dilemma vessel ship problem 4. sate empty replete gorge spill 4.3 Reading Assignment: First, read the Flood Account in Genesis 6:1-8:22; then The Epic of Gilgamesh, pp. 32-44 4.4 Recall Questions 1. Who is waiting on the shore for Gilgamesh? The wise man is encouraged about two things after Gilgamesh states his purpose for coming. What are these two things? 3. According to the wise man, what is the “searing flame” of God? 4, How long were the rains to last? ‘Who wams Utnapishtim about the coming flood? 6. With what does Utnapishtim construct the boat? ‘When the people began asking why he was building a boat, Utnapishtim was to tell them what? 8. Who helps Utnapishtim with building the boat? 9. What did the boat look like? 10. Who shuts the door to the boat as the rains began? 11. After the flood, what birds do Umapishtim release?The Epic of Gilgamesh / 9 12. What does Utnapishtim sacrifice? 13. What is Gilgamesh’s test to see if he merits eternal life? 14, How many days does Gilgamesh sleep? 15, Finally, Utnapishtim tells Gilgamesh that if he finds a certain object, he will have the secret to eternal life. What is this object? 16. How does Gilgamesh lose this object? 4.5 Critical Thinking Is Utnapishtim correct when he states that loneliness by itself can teach a soul about the purity of God? Explain how divine revelation is necessary for this teaching of purity. Compare and contrast the flood account in The Epic of Gilgamesh to that found in Genesis. The serpent is an important figure in both the Scriptures and mythology. Contrast the role of the serpent in THe Epic of Gilgamesh with that in Genesis. not? Does the shedding of a snake's skin represent a good type of eternal life? Why or why Contrast the person of Gilgamesh before and after the death of Enkidu.10/ The Epic of Gilgamesh Glossary for The Epic of Gilgamesh abate (2-bav) v. To diminish in intensity, make an end of, subside assuage (2-swaj’) v. To pacify or appease august (6-gist’) adj. Inspiring admiration or reverence dank (dangk) adj. Unpleasantly damp; humid din (din) n. Noisy clamor; an uproar doleful (dol'fal) adj. Full of sorrow; mournful flout (flout) v. To treat with contempt; to ridicule keen (ken) adj. Sharp, piercing; strong penetration meld (méld) v, To merge or come together; to blend mien (men) », Showing character, feeling; an appearance node (nod) ». A complication or difficulty pallid ( rend (rend) v, To tear or split apart violently; to sever sate (sit) v. Satisfy to the full; surfeit sentinel (sén’ta-nal) 7. A guard, a keeper; a sentry spectral (spék’tral) adj. Resembling a spirit or characterizing a ghost sundry (siin’dré) adj. Various, divers sustenance (siis/ta-nans) 7, Nourishment; needed to sustain life vex (véks) v, To izvitate; to annoy Vid) ad. Pale, lack of color; wanThe Epic of Gilgamesh Vocabulary Quiz The frequent ordeal of having to “voluntarily” submit to rebuilding the walls has sorely the citizens of Uruk. (A)abated (B)assuaged (C)sated (Dyvexed (E) flouted When Gilgamesh discovered the blossom had disappeared, his visage had a(n) look, which revealed the sorrow of his heart. (A)august (B) sundry (C)dolefil (D)pallia (E) keen While looking for Humbaba, Gilgamesh and Enkidu had very little for many days; however, as the desert , the two men were able to eat a hearty meal in the forest of the giant. (A)mien .. melded (B) sentinel . . sundry (C)din . . rended (D)sustenance . . abated (E) node .. assuaged The early morning fog rose from the creek bed as though it was a visitor coming to haunt Gilgamesh and Enkidu. (A)spectral (B) pallid (C) august (D)sundry (E) keen The Gilgamesh soon found himself in one of the most places where a thin layer of water covered the floor; before him he could hear the constant of animals crying and howling. (A)spectral .. sustenance (B)doleful .. mein (C)august . . node (D)keen . flouting (E) dank. . din OVER6 10. AUGUST : DISGUSTING (A)worn : used (B)simple : complex (©) filthy : dirty (D)clear : plain (E) damaged : broken MEIN : CHARACTER : : (A)soldier: sailor (B) depth : ocean (C) moon : planet (D)etiquette : manners (E) building : church NODE : DIFFICULTY : : (A)relation : stranger (B)closet : house (C)remedy : solution (D)refisal : acceptance (E) folksdance : choir REND : FIX (A)talk : speak (B) swim : exercise (C) locate : misplace (D)write : seribble (E) plant : grow SENTINEL : GUARD (A)coach : player (B)angel : devil (C)teacher : principal (D)brother : cousin (E) swamp : wetland 11, After he mocked the advances of Ishtar, Gilgamesh found the goddess to be a terrible foe, even after trying to assuage her anger. The word “to assuage” means (A)to ridicule. (B)to merge, (C)to sever. (D)to pacify. (E) to annoy. 12. Because of the king’s smashing the sacred stones, Urshanabi flouted the senseless ruin to Gilgamesh’s face. The word “flout” means most nearly in this sentence (A)recognize. (Byenvy. (©) ridicule. (D)ignore. (E) praise. 13, As Enkidu lay dying on his bed, King Gilgamesh looked upon the pallid face of his friend and wept aloud. The word “pallid” means (A) penetrating (B) unpleasant. (C)pale (D) diverse. (E) dank. CONTINUE T'Gilgamesh was an historical king of Uruk in Babylonia, on the River Euphrates in modern Iraq. According to many scholars, he 14 lived about 2700 B.C. Although historians tend to emphasize Hammurabi and his code of law, the civilizations of the Tigris- Euphrates area focuses rather on Gilgamesh and the legends 15 surrounding him to explain, as it were, their culture and beliefs Many stories and myths were written about Gilgamesh, some of which were written down about 2000 B.C. in the Sumerian language on clay tablets which still survive. It, as far as anyone 16 know, bears no relation to any other human language known, 17 today. These Sumerian Gilgamesh stories were integrated into a 18 longer poem, versions of which survive not only in Akkadian but also on tablets written in Hurrian and Hittite, All the above languages were written in the seript known as cuneiform, which means "wedge-shaped", The most complete work of all of the 19 versions of the epic of Gilgamesh are derived from twelve stone 20 tablets, in the Akkadian language, found in the ruins of the library of Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria 669-633 B.C., at Nineveh. They destroyed the library in 612 B.C., and all the tablets are damaged, STOP 14. 16. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. pop> soap 9 9 BP 9OD> GOm> Sop> gop> NO CHANGE they Gilgamesh him NO CHANGE concentrates. foci focus NO CHANGE They He The language NO CHANGE knows known had known NO CHANGE Gilgamesh ‘Sumerian stories ‘Sumerian stories about Gilgamesh Gilgamesh-type stories in Sumeria NO CHANGE wedgeshaped. ‘wedge-shaped’. “wedge-shaped.” NO CHANGE is derived ‘were derived had been derivedAnswer Keys To The Epic of Gilgamesh: A Poetic Version Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 1 1, estate, manor 2. mend, repair 3. separate, part 4, honor, respect 5. corporeal, risky Lesson 1 1. The rivers are the Tigris and the Euphrates. 2. The city is Uruk. 3. Life was hard and the old ways were not being supported by the people. 4. A trapper’s son sees Enkidu. 5. Enkidu uses his hands to set animals free. 6. The trapper plans to use a harlot. 7. Gilgamesh received the news with boredom. 8. The animals become aftaid of Enkidu. 9. Gilgamesh is unable to lift a fallen star 10. Gilgamesh tells his mother, Ninsun. 11. Gilgamesh is unable to lift an axe. 12. The fallen star and the axe will be a close friend. 13. The city is Uruk. 14, The harlot takes Enkidu to the land of the shepherds. 15. Enkidu is received with great enthusiasm by the people. 16. The two men will kill Humbaba. 17. Enkidu is against the idea and is afraid. 18. Humbaba has taken strength away from Enkidu 19. The sacred trees in the forest. 20. Humbaba never sleeps; there are dreadful sounds; and fire issues from his mouth 21. Gilgamesh wishes to receive a soldier’s honor. 22. The youth are getting lazy and never earned the right to receive praise for doing right 23. Enkidu is familar with the trails and woods. Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 2 fence, gate cave, abyss bright, sunny comfort, calm Rune Lesson 2 The two men speak with Ninsun. ‘Ninsun prays to Shamash. The gift isa silver charm, A gate blocks the warriors’ path. Enkidu is unable to use his hand, nor can he speak. 1 kw pe6. The land is known as Heaven, Hell, the Dark. 7. Stones fell upon the two men; but Gilgamesh is helped by a man 8. Fire came down from Heaven but tumed to ash and did not harm Gilgamesh. 9. Humbaba attacks Enkidu first. 10. Enkidu brings Humbaba to the ground 11, Humbaba will cut down the forest and built a royal palace. 12. Ishtar appears to Gilgamesh. 13. Ishtar brings the crown and royal robes. 14, Ishtar desires to marry Gilgamesh. 15. Ishullanu is changed into a mole. 16. Ishtar goes to Anu, her father. 17. Ishtar wants to kill Gilgamesh and is subjects. 18. The Bull of Heaven is a famine. 19. Enkidu kills the Bull of Heaven, 20, Enkidu hits Ishtar with a leg off of the carcass of the Bull. 21. Enkidu learns that he will die. 22. Enkidu imagines that there are feathers on his arms. 23. Enkidu sees a creature of dust eating, dust. 24. The gods were playing a game to see who could cause the most misery. Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 3 frigid, freezing dull, blunt separate, distant face, visage fight, conflict increase, rise ay aeye Lesson 3 The cape is made of animal skins. . Gilgamesh will search for the seoret to eternal life. . Gilgamesh decides to see Unapishtim. The diety is the moon, Sin. . The two guards are half human, half scorpion . Gilgamesh is not completely mortal, but is 2/3 god. Gilgamesh finds himself in a very futile valley. Gilgamesh meets Siduri. . Siduri thinks that Gilgamesh is a fleeing felon or murderer. . Gilgamesh should forget about Enkidu and live for the present. . The gods have bestowed the ways of death with sorrow ‘No one has ever crossed the lake of Death successfully; selfishness will kill Gilgamesh. Urshanabi the boatman can help Gilgamesh. 4. Gilgamesh destroys the gate and fence in anger. Large stones block the path. Gilgamesh destroyed the sacred stones. Gilgamesh might cross the lake by cutting many poles to push the boat across the water. 18. Gilgamesh uses the pole as a mast to hold his sail of animal skinsVocabulary Exercise, Lesson 4 rich, plentiful common, mundane vessel, ship empty, spill Bene Lesson 4 1. Utnaphistim waits for Gilgamesh. 2. Utnaphistim is encouraged that Gilgamesh was brave enough to seek eternal life and that he sought light from the blind. 3. The searing flame of God is His compassion. 4. The rains were to last seven days. 5. Ea wams Utmaphistim. 6. Utnaphistim uses the boards from his own house to build the boat 7. Utnaphistim was to tell the people that he was being prevented from entering the city by Enlil. 8. Crafismen from the city help Utnaphistim with constructing the boat. 9. The shape of the boat was cube-like. 10. Utnapishtim shuts the door 11, Utnapishtim releases a dove, a swallow, and a raven, 12. Utnapishtim sacrifices a lamb. 13. Gilgamesh was to stay awake six days and seven nights. 14, Gilgamesh slept for seven days. 15. Gilgamesh was to find a flower in the deepest part of the river. 16. A snake swallows the flower. The Epic of Gilgamesh 1D 14. C (indefinite subject) 2 15. D (S-V agreement) 3. D 16. D (indefinite subject) 44 17. B(S-V agreement) 5. E 18. C (noun as adj.) 6B 19. D (mechanics) 7D 20. B (S-V agreement) sc aC 10.E 1D 12.€ 13.C