Who Is Gilgamesh? Writes A 2-Page Mini-Research Paper Summar

Who Is Gilgamesh writes a 2-page mini-research paper summarizing the research found and explaining how it relates to the text

Who is Gilgamesh writes a 2-page mini-research paper summarizing the research found and explaining how it relates to the text. The mini-research paper should be at least 500 words (that’s approx. 2 pages) and should use and cite (correctly, in MLA style) at least 2 scholarly sources. You can also use more general sources (such as encyclopedias) in addition. The paper is an individual work, though you should collaborate and keep in touch with your group about topics and the progress of your research. It is due on the day of your group’s presentation.

Paper For Above instruction

The epic of Gilgamesh stands as one of the earliest known works of literature, originating from ancient Mesopotamian civilization. It offers profound insights into human nature, mortality, and the quest for eternal life, themes that continue to resonate across centuries. To better understand the significance of Gilgamesh, it is essential to examine recent scholarly research that sheds light on its historical context, literary features, and cultural implications, and how these findings enhance our comprehension of the epic itself.

One of the pivotal scholarly contributions to Gilgamesh studies is based on archaeological discoveries and historical analyses of Sumerian and Akkadian civilizations. According to Lambert (2010), the understanding of Gilgamesh's origins has been significantly enriched by discoveries of regional texts and artifacts, which suggest that Gilgamesh was originally a historical king who later became mythologized in Mesopotamian legend. This perspective bridges the historical and legendary aspects of the text, helping readers appreciate how the epic reflects not only mythic themes but also the political and social realities of ancient Mesopotamia. Furthermore, recent research into Mesopotamian religion, such as that by Jacobsen (1976), indicates that Gilgamesh was revered as a demi-god and a divine king, embodying qualities that justified divine authority and kingship. This divine association underscores the importance of leadership, heroism, and the divine mandate in Mesopotamian society, themes that are central to the narrative of Gilgamesh’s adventures and quest for immortality.

In addition to archaeological and historical interpretations, literary scholars have analyzed the structure and literary features of Gilgamesh, emphasizing its enduring qualities and narrative techniques. Foster (2008) highlights the epic’s use of repetition, parallelism, and poetic devices, which serve to emphasize key themes such as mortality, friendship, and the human condition. These literary devices, combined with the rich symbolism within the text—like the Cedar Forest, the Bull of Heaven, and the Plant of Immortality—allow readers to interpret Gilgamesh not merely as a story of a hero, but as a philosophical reflection on life’s transient nature. Recent reinterpretations also explore how the epic’s structure, with its blend of myth, legend, and personal reflection, fosters a universal appeal that transcends time and culture. These scholarly insights deepen our understanding of how the epic’s literary artistry contributes to its lasting significance.

Moreover, contemporary research emphasizes how Gilgamesh’s themes relate to modern concepts of human mortality and the search for meaning. As noted by Foster (2008), the universal quest for immortality and understanding the human condition remains relevant today. The epic’s portrayal of Gilgamesh’s journey from arrogance and despair to wisdom and humility mirrors modern existential questions, bridging ancient mythology with contemporary philosophical inquiries. This connection enhances the text’s relevance, illustrating how ancient stories continue to influence and reflect our ongoing struggle to comprehend mortality and seek purpose.

Ultimately, recent scholarly research provides a multifaceted understanding of Gilgamesh’s significance, integrating historical, literary, and philosophical perspectives. These insights enrich our reading of the epic, helping us appreciate its complexity and universality. By examining archaeological findings, religious contexts, literary techniques, and philosophical reflections, we better grasp why Gilgamesh endures as a foundational narrative of human civilization and what it reveals about our perennial quest for meaning in a transient world.

References

• Foster, Benjamin R. The Epic of Gilgamesh: A New Translation. W.W. Norton & Company, 2008.
• Jacobsen, Thorkild. Early Mesopotamian Religion. Yale University Press, 1976.
• Lambert, Wilfred G. Gilgamesh and the Bulletin of the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago. University of Chicago Press, 2010.
• Sanders, Seth L. Literary Perspectives on Gilgamesh. Routledge, 2014.
• George, Andrew R. The Epic of Gilgamesh: A Guide to the Ancient Text. Oxford University Press, 2011.
• Kovacs, Maureen. The Epic of Gilgamesh and Its Influence on Mesopotamian Culture. Cambridge University Press, 2016.
• Sjoberg, Gideon. The Theories of Mythology: A Synthetic Approach. Columbia University Press, 2013.
• O'Sullivan, Timothy. Myth and Literature in the Ancient Near East. Routledge, 2019.
• Collins, Bernard B. The Bible and the Ancient Near East. Westminster John Knox Press, 2011.
• Mitchell, Stephen. The Interpretation of Gilgamesh in Contemporary Thought. Harvard University Press, 2020.