Gilgamesh the Hero

by Marianne

Gilgamesh By Geraldine McCaughrean / Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. This is one of the oldest stories in the world, and it's about many things that still matter to us today: friendship, fame, courage, happiness. Gilgamesh and Enkidu are friends--best friends. Together they can work wonders, fight monsters, brave earthquakes, travel the world! But waiting in the dark is the one enemy they can never overcome. Retold by award-winning author Geraldine McCaughrean, and illustrated with great power by David Parkins, Gilgamesh the Hero is a story that will linger in the imagination long after the book has been put down. Recommended for ages 9 and up.

Since we are studying Ancient History at the moment, we decided to read one of the oldest epics in world literature - The Epic of Gilgamesh.
See more of what we're reading here.

We place ourselves back into a Sumerian city between 3200BC and 2700 BC and as an ancient piece of literature, it describes a culture who have rejected the Biblical understanding of God.

By reading this version, (and using Tapestry of Grace for insight), we were able to discuss and compare the epic with Biblical truths.
How did Gilgamesh decide to show his people he was powerful in order to be remembered forever? How does this compare to Jesus?
Of which Biblical story does Gilgamesh's pride remind you?
How do the gods treat eachother?
Of what does Gilgamesh become aware when Enkidu dies?
How does Gilgamesh try to escape death? How does this relate to us as Christians? What has Jesus done?
Why did the pagan gods create man?
What are the similarities and differences between the Biblical account of Noah and the book's account of Utnapishtim?

It was an interesting book to read because of the discussions we were able to have.