Epic of Gilgamesh text● Not single uniform text-Different versions in different places● Tradition from end of 3rd millennium BC-Oldest version in sumerian (late 3rd millenium BC)-Standard version in Akkadian (mid 1st millennium BC)● 11 tablets, 6 columns each● FragmentaryGilgamesh & Enkidu● Gilgamesh as tyrant-Council of gods: create rival for Gilgamesh● Enkidu-Wild man civilized-Challenge to Gilgamesh● Friendship of Gilgamesh & Enkidu-Joint heroic exploits-Humbaba-Bull of HeavenGilgamesh & Death● Council of gods: death for Enkidu-Anger over Humbaba & Bull Heaven● Gilgamesh’s grief-Catalog of mourners-Refusal to bury● Journey to the Underwood-Questions Ut-napishtim● Rejuvenating plant● Return to UrukAncient Hero Motifs: Adventures● Extraordinary birth/childhood-May be partly divine● Hero must prove his worth-Impossible tasks, quests, adventures-Conquering of beasts & monsters-Hero may refuse initially● Overcoming death-Trips to underworld (real or virtual) common-May become divine or immortalAncient Hero Motifs: The Hero & others● Opposition from enemies-Royal usurpers common-May instigate challenges to eliminate hero-Not always developed villains● Helped by gods and/or humans● Symbols or tokens of recognition-Identify hero to others● Death of friend(s)-Substitute for death of hero-Hero may be responsibleAncient Hero Motifs: Endings● Rewards-Marriage-Power, kingship-Wealth-Knowledge through suffering● Important hero roles-Civilizer-Founder-Savior, protectorAncient Heroine Stories● Extraordinary women often included in hero stories-Heroines help and/or destroy heroes● Common motifs-Girl leaves home-Girl is secluded or imprisoned-Girl becomes pregnant by god or hero-Girl is punished and/or rejected-Girl is ultimately rescued and gives birthAncient Greek Hero Stories● Connected to important cities of Mycenaean period-Historical places (and people)-Fantastical stories● Extraordinary people & Events-Generations of important families-Interactions with gods-Quests, labors● Link Greeks to distant