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.

Author: Ludmila Zeman

Titles in the series: 

Gilgamesh the King
The Revenge of Ishtar
The Last Quest of Gilgamesh

Volume One, Unit Two, Beginner/Grammar Levels

Please note:  We have reviewed this version of the Gilgamesh story, as well as Gilgamesh, Man's First Story by Bernarda Bryson, for age-appropriateness. We do not recommend using other versions of the Epic of Gilgamesh, even those that have been written for children.  The original story, as does much ancient literature, contains explicit scenes not suitable for reading until college.