What version of The Epic of Gilgamesh should I read?

If you want a translation, rather than a retelling, I would suggest The Epic of Gilgamesh, edited and translated by Andrew R. George edited the texts in a two-volume technical edition, which appeared just after the first printings of the translation, and is pretty much authoritative.

What was the first translation of The Epic of Gilgamesh?

The first translation of the Epic of Gilgamesh was produced in the early 1870s by George Smith, a scholar at the British Museum, who published the Flood story from Tablet XI in 1880 under the title The Chaldean Account of Genesis. Gilgamesh’s name was originally misread as Izdubar.

What language is The Epic of Gilgamesh in?

Akkadian
Epic of Gilgamesh/Original languages
Epic of Gilgamesh, ancient Mesopotamian odyssey recorded in the Akkadian language about Gilgamesh, the king of the Mesopotamian city-state Uruk (Erech). The Flood Tablet, 11th cuneiform tablet in a series relating the Gilgamesh epic, from Nineveh, 7th century bce; in the British Museum, London.

What is the epic of Gilgamesh based on?

King Gilgamesh
An epic poem concerning or (very) loosely based on the historical King Gilgamesh, who ruled Sumerian Uruk (modern day Iraq) in 2700 BC. This is the oldest written story, period, anywhere, known to exist. The oldest existing versions of this poem date to c 2000 BC, in Sumerian cuneiform.

Why is the Epic of Gilgamesh important?

Gilgamesh is known to be the first great hero, and the epic is known as the ‘first great masterpiece of world literature’. Gilgamesh has encounters with creatures, kings and gods and also provides a story of human relationships, feelings, loneliness, friendship, loss, love, revenge and the fear of death.

What makes the Epic of Gilgamesh an epic?

The Epic of Gilgamesh can be justly classified as an epic because it is a narrative poem. Because it is a long poem that tells a story, it fits the main definition of an epic. Along with telling a story, it is also written in a poetic style that includes a lot of repetition. This makes the story easier to remember.

What is the epic of Gilgamesh mainly about?

It follows the story of Gilgamesh, the mythological hero-king of Uruk, and his half-wild friend, Enkidu, as they undertake a series of dangerous quests and adventures, and then Gilgamesh’s search for the secret of immortality after the death of his friend.

Why is the Epic of Gilgamesh important today?

Beyond the impact it has had on other epics, however, The Epic of Gilgamesh is an incredible story all on its own. From a historical standpoint, it gives modern day readers a look into how ancient peoples saw the world—or at the very least how their characters did; a world of gods, monsters and mystic lands.