Gilgamesh the Hero

by Marianne

The story of Gilgamesh 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.

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Oct 25, 2009
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Sparked my Interest
by: Joanne Trewick

Thanks for putting in the review of Gilgamesh the Hero. I have heard of the title before but didn't know anything about it.

There was a time when I would have dismissed such an 'ungodly' book as not allowable in our home, but my views have changed over the years.

I was intrigued by the discussion questions that you mentioned,as I have been trying to draw out some similiar types of discussions with my children from books and movies that are not coming from a biblical perspective.

I would really like to look further at the Tapestry of Grace resources, if that is the type of guidance they offer as you read classic books. I am so glad that you put up this review.
Thankyou!

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