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Connecting with History
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The Epic of Gilgamesh
Why read Gilgamesh?
The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the oldest
legends ever written.
It affords a glimpse into the mind and soul of ancient man.
It helps us to understand an ancient, non-Hebrew worldview.
It grapples with eternal questions: the meaning of good and evil, life and
death, love and friendship.
It gives us a window into the daily life of ancient peoples.
But,
the version you read matters!
Gilgamesh was written by pagans.
The original includes graphic content.
Gilgamesh wasn't written for children, but some good children's versions are
available,
including:
The Gilgamesh Trilogy
by Ludmilla Zeman
Not only is this version of the Gilgamesh
epic beautifully written, the illustrations are stunning.
The pictures give a sense of ancient Mesopotamian life which will probably
remain in your child's memory longer than the story itself.
The story is pared down to the basics, but can be (and in our family has been) a
springboard for lively discussions of the themes mentioned above,
as well as...
...in a pagan society, how do people treat one another?
...to whom can the down-trodden call for help?
...what does it mean to be human?
...how did the ancients view death?
...the contrast between our loving God and the pagan ideas of the gods
...and so much more!
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Book 1: Gilgamesh the King
by Ludmilla Zeman
Gilgamesh, half-god and half-man, in his loneliness and
isolation becomes a cruel tyrant over the citizens of Uruk. To impress them
forever he orders a great wall to be built, driving his people to exhaustion and
despair so that they cry to the Sun God for help. In answer, another kind of
man, Enkidu, is sent to earth to live among the animals and learn kindness from
them. He falls in love with Shamhat, a singer from the temple, and he follows
her back to Uruk. There, Enkidu, the "uncivilized" beast from the forest, shows
the evil Gilgamesh through friendship what it means to be human. 3rd
- 7th Grade Reading Level
Recommended for Grammar
Level of Connecting with History Volume One
$8.95 (softcover)
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Book 2: Revenge of Ishtar
by Ludmilla Zeman
In this second volume in the Gilgamesh trilogy, Enkidu joins
Gilgamesh in the quest to slay Humbaba, the monster who has attacked the city
and caused great destruction, including the death of the beautiful singer,
Shamat. Gilgamesh and Enkidu successfully slay the monster and in so doing,
Gilgamesh attracts the attention of the goddess Ishtar. In rejecting her
advances, he incurs her revenge and an attack by the Bull of Heaven. Enkidu
manages to kill the bull, but is slain by Ishtar, striking at the bond between
the two friends. Shattered, Gilgamesh vows he will destroy the last monster:
death. 3rd - 7th Grade Reading Level
Recommended for Grammar Level of
Connecting with History Volume One
$8.95 (softcover)
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Book 3: Last Quest of Gilgamesh
by Ludmilla Zeman
In his final quest, Gilgamesh, still mourning the death of his dear friend
Enkidu, sets out to find the key to immortality. His journey is perilous. He
must fight ferocious serpents and wild lions. He travels through bitterly cold
caves, across scorching deserts, and over the fatal waters of the Sea of Death.
Finally he arrives at the palace of Utnapishtim, the only human who knows the
secret of immortality. Utnapishtim sets Gilgamesh a test to stay away for six
days and seven nights, but Gilgamesh fails. His last hope, a flower of eternal
youth, is eaten by the goddess Ishtar, who exacts her revenge. Finally, Enkidu
comes from the underworld to show Gilgamesh true immortality: the king will be
remembered for his good deeds, courage, and love for his people. 3rd - 7th
Grade Reading Level
Recommended for Grammar Level of
Connecting with History Volume One
$8.95 (softcover)
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Ancient
Mesopotamia:
The Sumerians, Babylonians,
and Assyrians
(People of the Ancient World Series)
by Virginia Schomp
recommended for the Logic Level of Connecting with
History, Volume One
Although it doesn't contain a retelling of Gilgamesh, it does include a section
on the story itself, as well as a wealth of information and glimpses into the
life of the ancient Mesopotamian culture which gave birth to the legend of
Gilgamesh.
Publisher's Synopsis:
-The rich, full-color interior has a strong, engaging design that will draw in
young readers.
-At 100+ pages, this series offers substantially more information than other
books for young readers available in paperback.
-Contains several special features, such as a biographical dictionary, which
describes important figures in the civilization, and a timeline.
Recommended for Logic
Level of Connecting with History Volume One
$9.95
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