In the introduction of Gilgamesh, Andrew George discusses the tablets that the epic was written on in depth. The tablets were found in many different areas, including the Mesopotamian areas, the Levant, Anatolia, etc. Also, the tablets were written in Sumerian as well as Akkadian. The locations that these tablets were found in show the large sphere of influence that the Mesopotamians had; the epic was read and/or written in many places. Also, it seems like the epic itself evolved over many years because of how many different tablets were found. However, while I was reading the introduction, I could not help but wonder how the translators were able to “assemble” a linear and somewhat coherent story out of the many broken tablets that were found in many different regions in the modern Middle East.
Also, I found the similarity between the story of the flood in the epic of Gilgamesh and the Biblical flood very interesting. The flood in Gilgamesh also destroyed all of mankind, much like the biblical flood. Also, a parallel could be drawn between how humans were said to be created “out of clay” by the Gods in the epic and how in the Qur’an Adam and Eve are said to also be made of clay.
Also interesting was that although the main character, Gilgamesh, himself is two parts God and one part human, the epic talks mainly about what it means to be human than to be a God. This is also what differentiates the epic from a myth. The epic talks about Gilgamesh’s humanly achievements, rather than his Godly ones, an example being how he finds solace in his achievements rather than looking to the Gods for help.
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