Gilgamesh II

A look at the outline of the Gilgamesh epos alone suggests that writing folk lyrics on this subject might not be easy. Aside from the number of plots and subplots the characters, too, aren't easy to describe. For example, the demon Humbaba who Gilgamesh fights is not an evil creature like the dragons in later literature but the honest servant of the Gods. Humbaba guards the sacred forest by assignment of the God Enlil. To prevent mortals from entering the forest Humbaba has to appear fearsome. On the other hand Gilgamesh's quest for glory by overcoming Humbaba looks rather egoistic. Thus, there is no strict line between good and evil in the story.

I had already decided that I would try to focus on Gilgamesh's personal growth from tyrant to responsible king. Hence I will select only a few key scenes to indicate the most important steps on his path to humanity and wisdom. This might be the outline for the verses:

Introduction of Gilgamesh and Enkidu.

E. and G. fighting and becoming friends.

Fighting Humbaba the demon as a means for gaining glory.

G's rejection of the goddess Ishtar's proposal and death of E.

G's lament and his quest for overcoming mortality.

The loss of the plant that grants everlasting youth; G's homecoming and resuming his task as king.