Odyssey and Epic of Gilgamesh

Main thing

The Odyssey and the Epic of Gilgamesh are two ancient epic poems from different cultures - the Odyssey is from ancient Greece, while the Epic of Gilgamesh is from ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq).

The Odyssey is attributed to the Greek poet Homer, who likely composed it in the 8th century BCE. The Epic of Gilgamesh was written in the Akkadian language and compiled from earlier Sumerian poems, with the oldest surviving version dating back to the 18th century BCE. Despite their different origins, the two epics share similar themes and structures.

Both epics explore themes of heroism, mortality, and the human condition. They delve into the nature of friendship, love, and loss, as well as the relationship between humans and the divine. The heroes, Odysseus and Gilgamesh, embark on epic journeys that test their physical and mental strength, forcing them to confront their own limitations and learn valuable lessons about life and themselves.

Example: Comparing the Odyssey and the Epic of Gilgamesh is like tasting two different ancient wines - each has its own unique flavor and aroma, but both can transport you to a world of timeless stories and universal truths. Just as wine is made from grapes that are grown in different soils and climates, these epics are born from the distinct cultural and historical contexts of ancient Greece and Mesopotamia.

Terms

• Epic - a long narrative poem that tells the story of a hero's adventures and exploits. Epics often involve gods, monsters, and other supernatural elements. Example: The Odyssey and the Epic of Gilgamesh are two of the oldest surviving epic poems in the world.

• Mesopotamia - an ancient region in the Middle East, located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, that was home to some of the world's earliest civilizations, including the Sumerians, Akkadians, and Babylonians. Example: The Epic of Gilgamesh originated in ancient Mesopotamia and reflects the region's cultural and religious beliefs.

• Homer - a legendary ancient Greek poet who is credited with composing the Iliad and the Odyssey, two of the most famous epic poems in Western literature. Example: Although little is known about Homer's life, his epics have had a profound influence on Western art, literature, and culture for centuries.

An analogy

The Odyssey and the Epic of Gilgamesh are like two different roads that lead to similar destinations - they both tell the story of a hero's journey, but the paths they take and the obstacles they face are unique to their own cultural and historical contexts.

Example: Just as a traveler might take different routes to reach the same city, readers can explore the themes of heroism, mortality, and the human condition through the distinct narratives of the Odyssey and the Epic of Gilgamesh.

A main misconception

One common misconception about the Odyssey and the Epic of Gilgamesh is that they are purely fictional stories with no basis in reality. However, while both epics contain mythological elements, they also reflect the values, beliefs, and experiences of the cultures that produced them.

Example: Some people might dismiss the Odyssey and the Epic of Gilgamesh as mere fairy tales, but in fact, these epics provide valuable insights into the way ancient Greeks and Mesopotamians understood the world and their place in it.

The history

1. The Epic of Gilgamesh originated in ancient Mesopotamia as a series of Sumerian poems around 2100 BCE.

2. The Akkadian version of the Epic of Gilgamesh, which is the most complete surviving version, was composed around 1800 BCE.

3. The Odyssey was likely composed by Homer in the 8th century BCE, during the Archaic period of ancient Greece.

4. The Odyssey was originally transmitted orally and was not written down until the 6th century BCE.

5. Both epics have been translated and adapted numerous times over the centuries, and continue to inspire new works of art and literature to this day.

"The Odyssey is not a lesson plan for growth; the Odyssey is a brilliant, beautiful, much-loved old story of a man's wanderings, a man's suffering, a man's return home at last, a man's absolutely fulfilling arrival." - Eudora Welty, American short story writer and novelist, known for her vivid portrayals of life in the American South.

Three cases how to use it right now

1. A high school English teacher assigns students to read excerpts from both the Odyssey and the Epic of Gilgamesh, and then write a comparative essay analyzing the similarities and differences between the two epics. By engaging with these ancient texts, students develop critical thinking skills and gain a deeper understanding of the enduring themes and values that have shaped human culture for millennia.

2. A group of friends decides to start a book club focused on reading and discussing classic works of literature. They begin with the Odyssey and the Epic of Gilgamesh, meeting once a week to share their thoughts and insights on the epics. Through these discussions, the friends not only deepen their appreciation for literature but also forge stronger bonds with one another.

3. A young writer struggling to find inspiration for a new story turns to the Odyssey and the Epic of Gilgamesh for guidance. By studying the structure, themes, and characters of these ancient epics, the writer gains new insights into the craft of storytelling and finds the motivation to create their own unique work of literature.

Interesting facts

• The Epic of Gilgamesh is considered the oldest surviving work of literature in the world, with the earliest known version dating back to around 2100 BCE.

• The Odyssey is composed of 12,110 lines of poetry, making it one of the longest epic poems in existence.

• In the Epic of Gilgamesh, the goddess Ishtar sends the Bull of Heaven to punish Gilgamesh for rejecting her advances, but Gilgamesh and Enkidu slay the beast together.

• The Odyssey features a famous scene in which Odysseus and his crew encounter the Cyclops Polyphemus, a one-eyed giant who traps them in his cave and devours several of Odysseus' men.

• The Epic of Gilgamesh includes a flood story that bears striking similarities to the biblical account of Noah's Ark, suggesting a common ancient Near Eastern tradition.