[the] ENGLISH-BLOG [.com]

2) Close your eyes for a moment and think of YOUR perception of a king, the supreme ruler of a nation-state. In your opinion, how is a king supposed to behave? What is appropriate and inappropriate? Be prepared to discuss Gilgamesh’s style of ruler ship. Be prepared to find SPECIFIC evidence from the text to support your claim/argument (e.g., page numbers, etc.)
A// A king is supposed to behave in a respectful manner, since he is representing a whole community. He is in charge of making the people feel secure. Furthermore, it’s his responsibility to make the laws, and make sure they are carried out. In addition a king must pay attention to the needs of the community.
Appropriate behavior from a king would consist in being charitable, taking in consideration collective needs, being respectful to others, and being a visible ruler. Inappropriate behavior usually involves a ruler who is disrespectful, arrogant, vicious, envious, and who utilizes the community to satisfy his desires.
Gilgamesh was the ruler of Uruk. The villagers of Uruk disliked Gilgamesh very much, because of his arrogance. Because of Gilgamesh’s selfish ways the village people pleaded to the gods to create someone equal to Gilgamesh. The people of Uruk were disgusted by Gilgamesh since he would use them to satisfy his pleasures (e.g. would have intimate relations with the brides before the groom did so).
Source: www.sparknotes.com tablet 2
(Didn’t have a book)

I believe that The Epic of Gilgamesh is primary a man’s story because it portrays a lot of war, fighting and killing of both animals and humans. “Gilgamesh listened to the word of his companion, he took the axe in this hand, he drew the sword from his belt, and he struck Humbaba with a thrust of the sword to the neck, and Enkidu his comrade struck the second blow” (pp.23). The man function of women in the story was strictly for men. Men could do and say whatever they wanted to women. Women were looked upon and treated with lesser respect than men. Women’s bodies were more of a sex symbol than anything else. The trapper stated “Now women, make your breasts bare; have no shame, do not delay but welcome his love” (pp.25). This statement goes to show that women had to do what was asked to them even if they wanted to or not. Another example is when women have to ask permission to do something. “My father, give me the Bull of Heaven to destroy Gilgamesh” (pp. 14).
However, there were a lot of great Goddesses that ruled many lands along with the God’s but women strictly in that story and time period were used for meat and not taking very seriously.

9. What is the attitude of The Epic of Gilgamesh toward Nature ( forests, animals, wild life, etc)? What is the attitude toward the destruction and neglect of nature (as for example in the cutting down of Humbaba’s cedar forest and Enkidu’s abandonment of his former life in another forest)? Be prepared to find SPECIFIC evidence from the text to support your claim/argument (e.g., page numbers, etc.)

The attitude of Nature in The Epic of Gilgamesh is depicted as a separate world to that of humans; first shown in the creation of Enkidu as a half best man. “A man unlike any other is roaming now in the pastures.” Once again when Gilgamesh tells the trapper to make Enkidu lay with a prostitute, this would ensure that nature rejects him.
Humbaba was the protector of the cedar forest and for Gilgamesh to grab Humbaba’s attention he and Enkidu cut down trees. “Who is this that has violated my woods and cut down my cedar?” Even Gilgamesh travels through the forest and goes through a change, both mind and body. Which could imply that the forest contains some mystic force to it, hence a different world.

Kamille G 1/09/08

The Epic of Gilgamesh

The Epic of Gilgamesh can be classified as primarily a man’s story predominantly because of the warlike nature of the main events that took place in the epic. The characters of “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” were always engaging in some type of battle with each other, an act that is considered to be very masculine in its nature, in order to earn the right to something or for self-praise. Gilgamesh and Enkidu, for instance, engaged in a fight with Humbaba and killed him in the process, just so that they could obtain cedar trees in the forest to build a gate. On a second occasion, Enkidu and Gilgamesh took part in a fight with the Bull of Heaven, sent by Ishtar after Gilgamesh refused to marry her, which they eventually kill. One would expect a woman’s story to center around a more peaceful and nurturing setting, and not a warlike one as in this epic. In the Epic of Gilgamesh, the main role of the women was to make wild men become civilized. Enkidu, for instance, who was originally part man and part beast was transformed into a tame man with “… the thoughts of a man in his heart.” after he laid down for six days and seven nights with a harlot (pg 15).
In this Epic, women are portrayed mainly as being submissive, possessions of men, and sex objects that are mainly there to seduce wild men into becoming human by teaching them “… the woman’s art…” (pg 14). Enkidu, for example, is seduced by Shamhat, a harlot, who made herself naked in Enkidu’s presence in an attempt to lure him to lay down with her, so that Enkidu could become humanized. The men, on the other hand, are portrayed as the dominant partners and the rulers of women. The men seem to have power over the women and can order them to engage in sexual advances with any man. The harlot which seduced Enkidu, for instance, was instructed by the trapper to “...make your breasts bare...” and “Let him see you naked, let him possess your body.” which the woman had not refused to do. (pg 14). The role and portrayal of men and women in “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” is most likely a representation of the men and women of the time in which the epic was written.

Kamille G

#8: How is nature represented in The Epic of Gilgamesh? Is the world depicted as a place of safety and harmony, or a place of precariousness and uncertainty? In this version of the world, what problems could one possibly face? What views about the natural world emerge from the story?

In The Epic of Gilgamesh, nature is represented as a giver of life and shelter, along with an entity that cannot be predicted. Throughout the story, nature is seen as uncertain and precarious. Gilgamesh does not know what to expect when he gets to the cedar forest when he has to fight Humaba. (p. 19) Also, he goes on many journeys through forests and across the land which he doesn't know what to expect. The land was also used as a resource. Gilgamesh and Urshanabi used the forest as a resource to build a boat. (p. 34) Nature also struck in the case of the flood. This story would lead one to believe that nature needs to be worshiped since it can be seen as an ultimate provider of resources. Also it shows that nature has to be feared because it can be punishing.

I found the course reading to be pretty interesting. It mentions names of gods, heroes, and even enemies that I had once heard before, but never knew the legends behind them. I found it ironic near the end that Gilgamesh was told something like "'if he is able he will cross the sea but if not he will return to the forest' and in his rage he destroyed the part on the ferryman's boat that prevents him from being able to cross the sea." What I really didn't understand was how he finally crossed the sea; did it say that Gilgamesh himself, became the mast so that the ship could sail?

In my experience with The Epic of Gilgamesh, what bits of wisdom can I, as a denizen of the 21st century, take away from a tale first composed somewhere in a region that is now Iraq, AT LEAST, two thousand years B.C.E.?

According to this tale, human can be given various things, both good and bad, but eventually, no matter what we do we cannot live forever on Earth. Eventually everyone, even the strong and the weak, will die. Also to be truly remembered, you have to do something great.

6. In The Epic of Gilgamesh, there are mortal men and there are Immortal gods. Based on your understanding of the text, how are the gods of ancient Uruk and its environs viewed? What are their functions? Do they intervene in human affairs? If so, how and to what extent? Be prepared to find specific evidence from the text to support your claim/argument. Would this story work just as well without the inclusion of the gods? Why or why not?

The gods of ancient Uruk are viewed as the most powerful creatures of all. The mortal men are viewed as weak servants to the gods. They function as an apprentice to the gods. Gilgamesh sacrifices warriors whenever he feels like fighting and he will take what ever he feels from his people. The gods intervene by abusing the powers that they have gained. They story would not work as well with out gods because the power and strength are far superior to the humans that the humans depend on the gods to live. On pg. 11 it describes how Gilgamesh is a horrible ruler, arrogant and brutal, the people of Uruk complain of his oppression. On pg. 13 the way Gilgamesh is described is contradicted, when he was built he was made to be wise and he knew mysteries and secrets. He was given a prefect body and beauty. On pg. 30 it describes how Gilgamesh wept for his friend Enkidu. He roamed the plains and cried. He could not rest or be at peace. Another way the gods intervene with human affairs, is when Enkidu was killed and Gilgamesh cried for him, he obtained human characteristics and was becoming mortal.

Question 13

Enkidu is similar to Gilgamesh mainly to provide as a distraction. Gilgamesh is always so stifled that he acts out against his people, and having a reflection, a second “stormy heart” is what provides him with true companionship. Enkidu is first introduced as a wild man, but shortly after being tamed, his confidence seems lost. (pg. 16) After some time he regains enough courage to grapple with Gilgamesh, and they soon become friends. (pg. 16) However, on entering the Cedar Forest to fight with Humbaba, Enkidu loses his nerve, and Gilgamesh has to rile up his confidence. (pg. 22) After the fight, it seems that Enkidu has regained his confidence, taking on the Bull of Heaven by himself while waiting for Gilgamesh’s help. (pg. 25-26) Enkidu found confidence in his companion, but unfortunately the life that Gilgamesh had brought him also brought about his death due to a judgment from the gods. (pg. 26)

My question was about the role and function of dreams in the narrative of Gilgamesh and whether or not they are an integral part to the story.

One of the first dreams that take place is when Gilgamesh dreams of a meteor. His mother tells him that this meteor represents a companion he will soon have. This dream foreshadowed his friendship with Enkidu.

During Enkidu and Gilgamesh's journey, Enkidu dreams of a mountain falling on him. This can be interpreted in two ways. It could represent a loss to Humbama or could represent Enkidu's journey to the underworld while Gilgamesh makes his way through the mountains. Enkidu also dreams of a bull which could represent the bull of heaven.

The dreams in Gilgamesh help foreshadow what else happens in the story and shows Gilgamesh's strength. For example, when Enkidu tells Gilgamesh that his dream represented their loss to Humbama, Gilgamesh reassures the Enkidu that they will win. This shows the difference in strength and heart with Gilgamesh. This could show that Enkidu's weak heart or determination could lead him to his death.

Briana Brown
Professor Hobbs
Lit 225
September 2, 2008

In many narratives (and in real life), there is frequently a “sidekick” or helper character who is similar (but not equal) to the protagonist. Why is Enkidu said to be so similar to Gilgamesh (his equal his own reflection, his second self. Does Enkidu change throughout the course of his adventure? What sort of a man was he in the beginning? How does he change? What are the consequences of those changes?

Gilgamesh and Enkidu both share being somewhat made of man. Enkidu was made to be half man and half beast/animal, while Gilgamesh was created by the Gods to be two thirds God and one third man. They both shared the quality of massive strength, unlike any human being. By sharing similar assets, they also shared a bond together. It seemed that they were so close because they shared the same assets and wants. It was like they were the same person in two different bodies.
Enkidu does change throughout the adventures. In the beginning of the story he was a beastly man whom lived among the animals in the forest. He knew nothing of how real men live. After the prostitute taught him the ways of man and some other things that happened and meeting Gilgamesh, he became a hero just like his fellow brother. He became civilized and learned values and love (weather it was the things woman do, finding his brother, and values.)
If he had stayed a beast of the forest he might not have died from an illness. I believe fate was already determined for him and it was planned for his destiny. He did not have a choice or a say. If he was never brought out of the forest, he would have lived in the forest till the end of his life and would have never met the people he did, become what he did (a hero), or find his equal.

3. In The Epic of Gilgamesh, what sort of ruler is Gilgamesh? Is he liked or disliked by his people? Connect your answer to Enkidu. What is the meaning of the figure of Enkidu? Why is he said to have come into being? For what purpose? Does Enkidu succeed in that purpose? Be prepared to find SPECIFIC evidence from the text to support your claim/argument.
Answer: Within The Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh was considered to be an unkind ruler by his people. He was considered to be a tyrant amongst the people and not many of the citizens within the city liked Gilgamesh because of his uncaring attitude. Enkidu who was created by the gods, purpose was to bring a challenge to Gilgamesh. Although Enkidu lost to Gilgamesh to a battle, Enkindu was able to help change Gilgamesh into a better person. Enkidu was able to humble Gilgamesh and change his perspective of live and the treatment of others.

Shayne T.
Eng 225 12:30 - 1:20

Kaitlin M. Eng 225

Response to question 4: Close your eyes for a moment and think of YOUR perception of a hero, a type of person frequently known for their “noble qualities.” Based on what we have learned in our selected readings from The Epic of Gilgamesh, how would you define a hero in ancient Sumerian culture? Is Gilgamesh excessive in his behavior, or is he only acting as would be expected of a hero (and a king)? Be prepared to find SPECIFIC evidence from the text to support your claim/argument (e.g., page numbers, etc.)

In ancient Sumerian culture I would describe a hero as a man who is marked by bravery and courage, a man who is physically stronger than everyone else, one who is determined to find the answers, one who has a thirst for power and wisdom and a person that is in constant search of glory and honor. Also, the ancient Sumerian hero undergoes a transformation. For example, in the beginning of the Epic of Gilgamesh, the hero Gilgamesh is a wild almost savage beast. However, towards the end of the epic, Gilgamesh has undergone a change and is no longer concerned with killing everything in site but rather, he is concerned with only his survival.
Gilgamesh is excessive in his behavior. He uses his brute strength to kill everything. He has an unfair advantage over everyone because of his superior strength. Instead of using that attribute in moderation, he uses it in excess to the point where it is almost absurd. An ancient Sumerian hero would have brute strength, but use it in moderation. Gilgamesh’s quest for glory is also an example of his excessive behavior. He went out of his way to kill Humbaba. Gilgamesh wanted the people of the city to honor and respect him. During the fight with Humbaba Gilgamesh even says, “Afterwards we can search out the glory and the glamour” (Gilgamesh 23). This shows that while in the midst of fighting, glory is on his mind. He is seeking it in excess.

Eng 255
MWF 12:30-1:20

11. Is the character of Gilgamesh transformed in the course of his journeys? Is he a different sort of man at the end, after his return home? If so, how? According to your interpretation of The Epic of Gilgamesh, what is the best way of life? That of Gilgamesh? That of Enkidu? That of Utnapishtim?

Yes, the character of Gilgamesh is definitely transformed in the course of his journeys. He is a different sort of man at the end after his return home compared to the man he was before he undertook his endeavors. With Gilgamesh being young and oppressing his people of Uruk so harshly, the people called out to the sky god Anu for help. In response the sky god creates Enkidu, who is most responsible for the transformation of Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh being the king of Uruk claimed the right to have sexual intercourse with every new bride one day following her wedding. When Enkidu was about to witness Gilgamesh’s claim, he stood in front of Gilgamesh to block his way and they end up fighting furiously.

The best way of life according to The Epic of Gilgamesh is that of Utnapishtim because he is immortal unlike Gilgamesh. This is another way in which Gilgamesh transformed throughout his journey because he became more concerned with learning how to become immortal and he seemed desperate to acquire immortality as he was not so concerned with becoming immortal before his journeys.

My question basically asked what roles did the gods played in the story. (#7) I thought that the gods played an extremely significant role in the story. The gods were all powerful, they did things their own way whether it was to help, teach lessons and cause awareness or to cause problems. The gods were a third party influence and controled in an indirect way, which directly affected the mortal race.Although many of the people looked up to certain gods and treated them with high amounts of respect, they still did what they wanted to do.

Gilgamesh did in fact change throughout the epic. At the start of the Epic, Gilgamesh was a tyrannical king, ravishing the women of Uruk, taking whomever he chose to his bed. “His lust leaves no virgin to her lover” . He was an absolutist in the extreme, epitomizing the motto of Louis XIV; “The State? I am the State!” However, after all the events of his journey, from the death of Enkidu to his talk with Utnapishtim, Gilgamesh became more reflective, more inwardly focused.
I think that the best way of life is that of Utnapishtim. It is not just that he has immortality, but the wise and reflective nature that his experiences. Also, Utnapishtim had the courage to obey the gods, while Gilgamesh refused Ishtar and brought down the wrath of the heavens against himelf and his friend Enkidu. Utnapishtim knows of the futility of fighting the fate of all mortals; that we are from dust and to dust we shall return.

In The Epic of Gilgamesh, there are mortal men and there are immortal gods. Based on your understanding if the text, how are gods of ancient Uruk and its environs viewed? What are their functions? Do they intervene in human affairs? If so, how and to what extent? Would this story work just as well without the inclusion of the gods? Why or why not?

I think the Gods are seen as enemies of the mortals. They resemble a child in way because of the way they behave. These Gods live by their own laws, and they expect everyone to obey them. Unlike our God, who is supposed to help and protect us, the Gods in this epic actually hurt the mortals. Angering these Gods is considered a death sentence. The Gods intervene a number of times in the story. They send the Bull of Heaven to kill Gilgamesh because he refused to marry Ishtar, and because he splayed the giant Humbaba with help from Enkidu. Gilgamesh’s best friend was also a creation of the Gods that did not turn out they way they wanted it to. The Gods also punish Gilgamesh by infection his best friend Enkidu with a fatal illness. The only good deed that the Gods accomplish in this story is that they saved Utnapisthim from the Great Flood because he obeyed them. I don’t the epic would be an epic without the Gods because without them Enkidu would have never died, and then Gilgamesh would have to take the long journey to find immortality. In fact Enkidu would have never existed, and there would not have been any epic battles throughout the story.

4. Close your eyes for a moment and think of your perception of a hero, a type of person frequently known for their “noble qualities.” Based on what we have learned in our selected readings from The Epic of Gilgamesh, how would you define a hero in the ancient Sumerian culture? Is Gilgamesh excessive in his behavior, or is he only acting as would be expected of a hero (and a king)? I think that Gilgamesh is excessive in his behavior because in the story it says that he was not liked by his people and I also think that he had the characteristics of a hero but the things that he did were not to be heroic but they were just for glory and glamour. Page 23 says Gilgamesh is seeking glory and glamour by trapping and killing the bird Humbaba.

Question 9.

The Epic's attitude toward nature seems a bit scattered to me. While Enkidu is raised in nature with wild animals and while he even is half animal himself, Gilgamesh goes around killing everything in sight and wearing animal skin on his body. Gilgamesh and Enkidu weren't supposed to get along in first place, however, they become best friends and companions who go into the cedar forest in order to kill the giant Humbaba. While they are looking for him, they start cutting down Humbaba's cedar forest so they could catch his attention.

Also, when the Great Flood came, Utinapishtim built a boat and brought one of each kind of animals onto this boat in order to keep nature and the wild life going. Utinapishtim is also the same guy, Gilgamesh goes to in order to find out the secret to eternal life.

Eng 225
CA-01
Dreams
10. Enkidu has multiple dreams of mountains falling on him. These dreams that Enkidu have represent defeat of Humamba and the journey to the underworld and Gilgamesh travels through the mountains. Gilgamesh has dreams of a meteor and his mother tells him that it represents a companion that he will have soon. The companion that he soon has ends up being Enkidu. Enkidu dreams about a bull which could either represent Humbama or the Bull of Heaven. The purpose or theme of these dreams is foreshadowing. Foreshadowing represents how Gilgamesh looked over or was better Enkidu. The dreams could also represent how Enkidu might have felt miniscule at times.

David G.
Dr. Hobbs
ENG 225.01 Survey of World Literature I
3 September 2008

In "The Epic of Gilgamesh", what sort of ruler is Gilgamesh? Is he liked or disliked by his people? Connect your answer to Enkidu. What is the meaning of the figure of Enkidu? Why is he said to have come into being? For what purpose? Does Enkidu succeed in that purpose? Be prepared to find SPECIFIC evidence from the text to support your claim/argument (e.g., page numbers, etc.)

Gilgamesh was a tyrantical ruler. He was not liked by his people, and many people made this known. This is shown in a quote from the text from a common man, "Gilgamesh sounds the tocsin for his amusement, his arrogance has no bounds by day or night.(Sandars 60)" The Men were sick of the way that Gilgamesh treated both them and their wives. He treated the wives even worse than the men, this is also explained in a qoute from the text. This quote is a man describing what Gilgamesh does to newlywed women, "His lust leaves no virgin to her lover. (Sandars 60)"

Enkidu was created by the gods to oppose Gilgamesh. They realized that Gilgamesh was too powerful, and he must have someone to oppose him. The God's may have meant for Enkidu to destroy Gilgamesh, but it turned out somewhat different. After Gilgamesh beat Enkidu in a grapling match, they became friends. This is described in a quote from the text, "So Enkidu and Gilgamesh embraced and their friendship was sealed. (Sandars 67)" Although Enkidu did not destroy Gilgamesh he humbled him in a different way, he humbled him through friendship. This was the first time that Gilgamesh had felt compassion for another, this brought him down to earth. When Enkidu dies Gilgamesh becomes depressed, the previous cocky Gilgamesh would have never been affected by someone else.

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*NOTE* The deadline for this particular assignment has now passed. Any comments listed below are for the NEXT assignment for this particular entry. Any 'student' posts below that missed the assignment deadline ABOVE will not get credit for that assignment. ~ Dr. Hobbs

Image Source: ">http://www.redicecreations.com/specialreports/2005/10oct/deluge.jpg

3 September 2008

ENG 225 Students,

Please answer in full--about 1 paragraph or more--your own spin on the answer your group discussed in-class today. It should also list the page numbers as in-text citations for any "evidence" you use to make your case. Quoting briefly from the text directly in places is always good and makes a stronger case (not just: I heard someone in class say this or Dr. Hobbs said it). This will be the norm from now on, I won't remind you for every class. If you are not yet signed up for turnitin.com, you will have trouble with this assignment and get behind on your grades. Put your response in the comment box for this entry above.

*As with most assignments for this course, items posted on the English-Blog, unless otherwise noted, must also be posted in the proper folder on turnitin.com in order to get credit. This assignment is no exception*

If you need a reminder of what the discussion questions were, please find them reprinted below:

3 September 2008 – ENG 225.01 - Group Activity Questions for “The Flood” accounts in Genesis 6-9 and The Epic of Gilgamesh

1.Discuss the similarities and differences between how the protagonists in the “flood story” of Noah in Genesis and the “flood story” of Utnapishtim in the older The Epic of Gilgamesh learned about the impending deluge. Be prepared to provide evidence of your answers from the texts (page numbers, line numbers, etc.)

2. Discuss the similarities and differences between the “reasons for the deluge” in the “flood story” of Noah in Genesis and the “flood story” of Utnapishtim in the older The Epic of Gilgamesh. Be prepared to provide evidence of your answers from the texts (page numbers, line numbers, etc.)

3. Discuss the similarities and differences between the “vehicles” and their “construction materials” in the “flood story” of Noah in Genesis and the “flood story” of Utnapishtim in the older The Epic of Gilgamesh. Be prepared to provide evidence of your answers from the texts (page numbers, line numbers, etc.)

4. Discuss the similarities and differences between the “cargo” of the protagonists in the “flood story” of Noah in Genesis and the “flood story” of Utnapishtim in the older The Epic of Gilgamesh. Be prepared to provide evidence of your answers from the texts (page numbers, line numbers, etc.)

5. Discuss the similarities and differences between the “dwelling place of the deities” in the “flood story” of Noah in Genesis and the “flood story” of Utnapishtim in the older The Epic of Gilgamesh. Be prepared to provide evidence of your answers from the texts (page numbers, line numbers, etc.)

6. Discuss the similarities and differences between the “rainfall’s time span” in the “flood story” of Noah in Genesis and the “flood story” of Utnapishtim in the older The Epic of Gilgamesh. Be prepared to provide evidence of your answers from the texts (page numbers, line numbers, etc.)

7. Discuss the similarities and differences between the “thanksgiving sacrifices and the reaction of the deities” in the “flood story” of Noah in Genesis and the “flood story” of Utnapishtim in the older The Epic of Gilgamesh. Be prepared to provide evidence of your answers from the texts (page numbers, line numbers, etc.)

8. Discuss the similarities and differences between how the protagonists in the “flood story” of Noah in Genesis and the “flood story” of Utnapishtim in the older The Epic of Gilgamesh checked to see if the floodwaters had receded. Be prepared to provide evidence of your answers from the texts (page numbers, line numbers, etc.)

9. Discuss the similarities and differences between the “thanksgiving sacrifices” in the “flood story” of Noah in Genesis and the “flood story” of Utnapishtim in the older The Epic of Gilgamesh. Be prepared to provide evidence of your answers from the texts (page numbers, line numbers, etc.)

10. Discuss the similarities and differences between the “the reaction/response of the deities after the deluge” in the “flood story” of Noah in Genesis and the “flood story” of Utnapishtim in the older The Epic of Gilgamesh. Be prepared to provide evidence of your answers from the texts (page numbers, line numbers, etc.)

11. Discuss the similarities and differences between the “immortality” of the protagonists in the “flood story” of Noah in Genesis and the “flood story” of Utnapishtim in the older The Epic of Gilgamesh. Be prepared to provide evidence of your answers from the texts (page numbers, line numbers, etc.)

12. Discuss the similarities and differences between the “protagonists’ spouses” in the “flood story” of Noah in Genesis and the “flood story” of Utnapishtim in the older The Epic of Gilgamesh. Be prepared to provide evidence of your answers from the texts (page numbers, line numbers, etc.)

Until we meet again,

Dr. Hobbs

10. Discuss the similarities and differences between the “the reaction/response of the deities after the deluge” in the “flood story” of Noah and the “flood story” of Utnapishtim in the older The Epic of Gilgamesh.

In the story of Gilgamesh, the gods who created the flood were attempting to get rid of all mankind. The god Ishtar was ashamed that people were murdered during the flood. The god Enlil was upset that when the flood had occurred that mortal men had survived. Gilgamesh did not know that a flood was coming, he over heard that it was which gave him time to prepare for the worst. In the story of Noah, a flood happened because man had become evil and it was a way of cleansing and making the earth pure again. God had watched over the animals and Noah, he was more prepared for the coming of the flood because god was the one who informed him. A big similarity between the two stories is that after the flood, both Noah and Gilgamesh responded to the gods of mankind and understood that the need for man is essential. On pg. 35 it talks about the uproar of mankind and how it has become intolerable. On pg. 36 it talks about what Gilgamesh will bring with him on the boat during the flood. He will bring his family and one of each of an animal. On. Pg 36 it describes that boat that will be built but it not referred to as an ark. On pg. 60, god is describing the ark to Noah and the dimensions of the ark to survive the flood. On pg. 61, Noah is taking his three sons and his family, but he will take two of each type of animal. Gilgamesh and Noah were given the chance to start a new world.

4. Close your eyes for a moment and think of your perception of a hero, a type of person frequently known for their “noble qualities.” Based on what we have learned in our selected readings from The Epic of Gilgamesh, how would you define a hero in the ancient Sumerian culture? Is Gilgamesh excessive in his behavior, or is he only acting as would be expected of a hero (and a king)?
I think that Gilgamesh is excessive in his behavior because in the story it says that he was not liked by his people and I also think that he had the characteristics of a hero but the things that he did were just for glory and glamour. Page 23 says Gilgamesh is seeking glory and glamour by trapping and killing the bird Humbaba.

3. Discuss the similarities and differences between the vehicles and their materials in the flood story of Noah in Genesis and the flood story of utnapishtim in the older the epic of Gilgamesh. Be prepared to provide evidence of your answers from the texts.
In both stories there were boats but in Noah’s story it was call an ark and in Gilgamesh story it was just a boat. In Noah’s story the ark was built more like an ark but in Gilgamesh story the boat looked more like a house in on the house shaped boat there were only one kind of each animal but on Noah’s ark there were a male and a female of each animal. In Gilgamesh story they used cedar wood to build the boat but in Noah’s story they used gopher wood to build the ark.

1. Discuss the similarities and differences between how the protagonists in the "flood story" of Noah in Genesis and the "flood story" of Utnapishtim in the older The Epic of Gilgamesh learned about the impending deluge. Be prepared to provide evidence of your answers from the texts (page numbers, line numbers, etc.)

On page 35 of part five in Gilgamesh, it says that "Ea because of his oath warned me in a dream. He whispered their words to my house of reeds...tear down your house and build a boat, abandon possessions and look for life." Utnapishtim was told by the god Ea in a dream, what was going to happen.
In the story of Noah, it says on page 60, "And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me...I will destroy them with the earth." It doesn't say what form God took, but it seems that God just came face to face with Noah and tells him that everyone is going to die except for you and your family.

Kamille G 4/09/08

9. Discuss the similarities and differences between the “thanksgiving sacrifices” in the “flood story” of Noah in Genesis and the “flood story” of Utnapishtim in the older The Epic of Gilgamesh. Be prepared to provide evidence of your answers from the texts (page numbers, line numbers, etc.

One of the most apparent similarities between the “thanksgiving sacrifices” of the “flood story” of Noah, and “the flood” story of Utnapishtim was the odor that these sacrifices gave off when they were burnt. In both the flood story of Noah and Utnapishtim, the thanksgiving sacrifices emitted a “sweet savour” (pg. 37 line 26 and pg. 62 line 25). One of the differences between the sacrifices of the flood story of Utnapishtim and Noah was that in Noah’s story animals were sacrificed, while in Utnapishtim’s story a type of drink was sacrificed, as well as different kinds of wood. In Noah’s story, for instance, Noah “took every clean beast, and … clean fowl…” and gave them up as sacrifices. (pg. 62 line 24). In Utnapishtim’s story, on the other hand, Utnapishtim “made a sacrifice and poured out libation….” and set “seven cauldrons”, as well as “heaped up wood and cane and cedar and myrtle.” (pg. 37 line 24,25 and 26 ). In addition, another difference between the “thanksgiving sacrifices” in the two stories is the location in which these sacrifices were burnt. In Noah’s story the sacrifices were burnt “on an altar” (pg.62 line 25); whereas, in Utnapishtim’s story the sacrifices were “poured out … on the mountain top.” (pg.37 line 24). Despite these major differences, the basic idea of sacrificing something to the god or gods, for permitting Noah and Utnapishtim and their families to survive the flood was evident in both stories.

Kamille G

9. Discuss the similarities and differences between the “thanksgiving sacrifices” in the “flood story” of Noah in Genesis and the “flood story” of Utnapishtim in the older The Epic of Gilgamesh. Be prepared to provide evidence of your answers from the texts (page numbers, line numbers, etc.)

Engl 225
CA01
Sept 4th, 2008

Question 9.
In both, the epic of Gilgamesh as well as the one of Noah, ships or boats were used as vehicles. Both characters took animals and their family with them in order to keep the world going and give nature a future. The first difference here is that Utnapishtim only took one animal of each kind, while Noah took a male and a female of each. Both ships are made out of wood while Utnapishtim had to tear down his house and was given these instructions by Ea: “let her beam equal her length, let her deck be roofed like the vault that covers the abyss; then take up into the boat the seed of all living creatures” (36). On the other hand, Noah received instructions from god himself to build a boat out of gopher wood. “the length of the ark shall be three hundred cupits, the breath of it fifty cupits, and the height of it thirty cupits. A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cupit shalt thou finish it above […]” (60).

8) Discuss the similarities and differences between how the protagonists in the “flood story” of Noah in Genesis and the “flood story” of Utnapishtim in the older The Epic of Gilgamesh checked to see if the floodwaters had receded. Be prepared to provide evidence of your answers from the texts (page numbers, line numbers, etc.)

The similarities with both stories are that they both used birds to check if the water has receded. The differences are the Noah used two birds, a dove and raven, while Gilgamesh used three birds, a dove, raven and a swallow. In Noah, the dove returned with an olive branch. In Gilgamesh, the raven never returned, telling Gilgamesh that it has found land.

8. Discuss the similarities and differences between how the protagonists in the “flood story” of Noah in Genesis and the “flood story” of Utnapishtim in the older The Epic of Gilgamesh checked to see if the floodwaters had receded. Be prepared to provide evidence of your answers from the texts (page numbers, line numbers, etc.)

There are several similarities between Utnapishtim and Noah in regards to how they discovered if the floodwater was receding. Both Noah and Utnapishtim use birds to detect whether or not the floodwater had receeded. They also use a couple of the same birds, a raven and dove. The following quote describes how Noah released his birds, "8:8 Then he sent out a dove from him, to see if the water was abated from the face of the land; 8:9 but the dove found no resting place for the sole of her foot, so she returned to him into the ark; for the water was on the surface of all the land. Then he put out his hand and took her, and brought her into the ark to himself.8:10 So he waited yet another seven days; and again he sent out the dove from the ark.8:11 And the dove came to him toward evening; and behold, in her beak was a freshly picked olive leaf. So Noah knew that the water was abated from the land.8:12 Then he waited yet another seven days, and sent out the dove; but she did not return to him again.(Genesis 8-12)" This next quote is going to describe how Utnapishtum released his birds, "When the seventh day dawned I loosed a dove and let her go. She flew away, but finding no resting place she returned. Then I loosed a swallow, and she flew away but finding resting place she returned. I loosed a raven, she saw that the waters had retreated, she ate, she flew around, she cawed, and she did not come back. (Sandars 108)"

There are also several differences in their accounts, as is shown in the above quotes. Utnapishtum uses three birds, and Noah only uses two. Also, Noah sends his dove multiple times before it does not come back. Utnapishtum sends a raven that does not come back.

ENG 225

9. Discuss the similarities and differences between the “thanksgiving sacrifices” in the “flood story” of Noah in Genesis and the “flood story” of Utnapishtim in the older The Epic of Gilgamesh. Be prepared to provide evidence of your answers from the texts (page numbers, line numbers, etc.)

It is truly amazing to see the relations between Gilgamesh and Noah in the book of Genesis. Two stories with such immense similarities but at the same time such different cultures and ideals.

In Gilgamesh, the way of sacrificing the animals are different than the story of Noah. Gilgamesh uses a mixture of wood, cane, cedar, and myrtle (Norton 37). All of these substances are mixed into seven cauldrons. I think that the number 7 has symbolism in reference to the number of days Gilgamesh spent during the great flood. The main thing that is intriguring is the reference of a "sweet savor" smelt from the Gods or God above. This similarity is very interesting when comparing these two stories.

In the story from Genesis, the reason for the flood is much different. God was displeased with mankind in this story while in Gilgamesh, the Gods were displeased with how "noisy" humans had become. Noah takes clean and fowl animals and sacrifices them on an altar, much different than the story of Gilgamesh. This God also identifies the scent as a "sweet savor" and after smelling it decides to never kill mankind again.(Norton 67)

12. Discuss the similarities and differences between the “protagonists’ spouses” in the “flood story” of Noah in Genesis and the “flood story” of Utnapishtim in the older The Epic of Gilgamesh.

In both The Epic of Gilgamesh and Genesis, the wives do not do much. It is understood that in both stories they are used to repopulate after the flood. In Genesis, Noah's wife is hardly even mentioned. All that is said of her is that she was on the ark with the rest of the family. In the Epic of Gilgamesh, the character of Utnapishtim's wife is developed a little more. Her task is to bake a loaf of bread for every day that Gilgamesh is asleep and put it next to his head, that way when he wakes up he will know how long he had slept for. This is all that she really does in the story, however it is more than Noah's wife did.

Kaitlin McKenna
Eng 225

Response to question 7: Discuss the similarities and differences between the “thanksgiving sacrifices and the reaction of the deities” in the “flood story” of Noah in Genesis and the “flood story” of Utnapishtim in the older The Epic of Gilgamesh. Be prepared to provide evidence of your answers from the texts (page numbers, line numbers, etc.)

At the end of both of the flood stories Noah and Utnampishtam make a sacrifice. In Noah’s story, Noah sacrifices one of every kind of clean animal on an altar that he made. Utnampishtim , however, does not sacrifice and animal but he sacrifices myrtle and cedar. Nor does Utnampishtam build an altar. He sacrifices the myrtle and cedar in a cauldron. In both stories, the deities smell the sacrifice and respond. In Noah’s flood story, God is pleased with the sacrifice and proclaims that he will “not again curse the ground of man, even though the inclination of the heart of man is evil from childhood. And I will not again destroy every living thing as I just did.” (Genesis ln 21). The deities are also pleased with Utnampishtam’s sacrifice. The gods “smelled sweet aromas and they gathered like flies over the sacrifice” (Gilgamesh 37). Both the deities smell the sacrifice and are then drawn to it. The deities are pleased in each story.

Paola Silvestri

5) Discuss the similarities and differences between the “dwelling place of the deities” in the “flood story “of Noah in Genesis and the “flood story” of Utnapishtim in the older The Epic of Gilgamesh. Be prepared to provide evidence of your answers from the texts.
A: In the Epic of Gilgamesh there is a polytheistic view; on the other hand, in Genesis there is a monotheistic view.

In the Epic of Gilgamesh the gods dwell in a mountain in the Land of Cedars, where mortals are forbidden. This land is guarded by Humbaba (pg.19). In Genesis God’s dwelling place is in heaven. Heaven also has guardians, known as angels.

The gods in the Epic of Gilgamesh decided to cast a flood on earth because of the uproar of mankind (pg.35; lines 37-43). On the other hand, in Genesis God saw the wickedness of man, and so he decided to destroy all mankind, except for Noah and the ark (pg. 60; lines 1-7).

Ea, one of the gods, told Utnapishtim that there would be a flood, and that he should build an ark, and introduce one of every animal, and seeds of every living thing (pg.35, line 41; pg.36; line 2, 18-25). In Genesis it is God himself who tells Noah to build an ark. Both men were told to take their family on aboard, and animals (pg.60; lines 15-32). Another difference is that Utnapishtim was told to take only one of every animal.

When the flood was over Utnapishtim released a dove, which came back. Then Utnapishtim released a swallow, which also came back. At last, he released a raven which saw that the land was dry, and never came back (pg.37, line 19). In Genesis when the flood was over Noah released a dove, but it came back. So Noah waited for seven days and released the dove again, the dove came back with an olive branch, and this is how Noah knew that the flood was over (pg. 62; lines 1-9). The difference is that Utnapishtim released three different kinds of birds, while Noah only released a dove. In addition, Utnapishtim’s birds never came back, but Noah’s dove did. But they both released birds which is a similarity.

In the Epic of Gilgamesh Enlil, the god who casted the flood, was later thankful that Utnapishtim survived, since this meant that mankind would prevail. Enlil blessed Utnapishtim and his family. Utnapishtim and his wife were granted immortality (pg.38; lines 6-11). In Genesis when the flood is over God spoke to Noah and told him to bring forth his family, and all the animals. Noah built an alter and presented to God burnt offerings. God then promised to never flood the earth again, which is known as the covenant (pg.62; lines 17-25/ pg.63; lines 2-12). The similarities are that both Utnapishtim and Noah were in charge of multiplying the world.

Kayla Fernandez
ENG225 CA01
Question # 11

• Discuss the similarities and differences between the "immortality" of the protagonist in the "flood story" of Noah in Genesis and the "flood story" of Uptnapishtim in the older The Epic of Gilgamesh. Be prepared to provide evidence for your answer from the texts (page numbers, line numbers, etc.)

In both stories the men could have been considered immortal. In the Gilgamesh story Uptnapishtim was literally granted immortality by the God of water. In the Noah story he was not technically granted immortality however Noah was extremely old and it could have been said that by God telling him about the flood and the boat he was granted immortality in a sense, but not literally. Noah and Upnapishtim were both implied to be good men in society since they were the only human beings that were to be saved and were to be the ones to populate the earth after the flood.

Discuss the similarities and differences between the “immortality” of the protagonists in the “flood story” of Noah in Genesis and the “flood story” of Utnapishtim in the older The Epic of Gilgamesh. Be prepared to provide evidence of your answers from the texts (page numbers, line numbers, etc.)

The differences between the immortality of Noah and Utnapishtim are rooted in the basic fact that Utnapishtim is immortal and Noah is not. After surviving the Great Flood that Enil had wrought upon the people of Shurrupak, the god Enil placed his hands upon Utnapishtim and declared “henceforth he and his wife shall live in the distance across the river.” Noah on the other hand, while “600 years old”, was never granted the gift of eternal life from God. There are however, several key similarities .The most obvious is that although both Utnapishtim and Noah were not immortal, their names have lasted for over a thousand years up until our present day. Also, both Utnapishtim and Noah had children that according to the stories repopulated the earth. In that way, they have immortality in their descendents.

Eng 225
12:30-1:20

7. Discuss the similarities and differences between the “thanksgiving sacrifices and the reaction of the deities” in the “flood story: of Noah in Genesis and the “flood story” of Utnapishtim in the older The Epic of Gilgamesh.
Several of the events of the flood in both Noah’s and Gilgamesh’s story are similar and in other ways very different. Specifically, both Utnapishtim from The Epic of Gilgamesh and Noah in the Genesis prepares a sacrifice to their God after the flood has ended. In the epic of Gilgamesh, it does not state what the sacrifice was exactly but we know that upon reaching shore after the flood Utnapishtim began to prepare the sacrifice which attracted the Gods (http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/MESO/GILG.HTM). In the Genesis, Noah first built an altar and offered “burnt offerings” of every clean beast and of every fowl and placed the burnt offerings on the altar and poured oil onto the offering along with sprinkled wine and strewed frankincense over everything. This attracted the lord (http://sacred-texts.com/bib/jub/jub20.htm).

As far as reactions of the deities, in both stories they were pleased. In The Epic of Gilgamesh some of the God’s were angry at fist that someone survived the flood but then they became pleased, accepted the sacrifice and even presented Utnapishtim with immortality. In the Genesis the Lord was also pleased as he made a covenant with Noah that there shall not be any more floods to destroy the earth.

Group #4
Discuss the similarities and differences between the “cargo” of the protagonists in the “flood story” of Noah is Genesis and the “flood story” of Unapishtim in the older The Epic of Gilgamesh. Be prepared to provide evidence of your answers from the text (e.g. page numbers, etc.)

Even though both stories run in a similar way, the major difference about what went on board. In Genesis Noah receives clear instructions to take pairs of animals. Moreover, it is distinguished between “clean” and “unclean” animals and a ratio 1:7 specified in favor of the “clean” (Genesis 6,19). Also in Genesis, stress is made on the fact that he has to take all necessary food for his family and livestock. In the story of Upnapishtim however, there is interestingly enough a space reserved for precious metals like silver and gold:
” Whatever I had I loaded on it:
whatever silver I had I loaded on it,
whatever gold I had I loaded on it.
All the living beings that I had I loaded on it,
I had all my kith and kin go up into the boat,
all the beasts and animals of the field
and the craftsmen I had go up.” (http://www.ancienttexts.org/library/mesopotamian/gilgamesh/tab11.htm)

It is also obvious from the text that some of the craftsmen joined Utnapishim and his family while in Genesis the chosen are Noah, his wife, three sons and their wives.

Briana Brown
September 4, 2008
Prof Hobbs
Lit 225

6. Discuss the similarities and differences between the “rainfall’s time span” in the “flood story” of Noah in Genesis and the “flood story” of Utnapishtim in the older The Epic of Gilgamesh. Be prepared to provide evidence of your answers.

In both stories, Noah and Gilgamesh, the God/Gods reason for the rain was to kill human kind. They planned on flooding both places to where you needed a boat to stay afloat to survive. Both men built boats and did as they were told by the gods/ God. The time spans in the stories were each different. In the story of Noah, the flood lasted months and months with heavy storms (pg.62.). In the story of Gilgamesh the rain lasted six days and six nights (pg. 37.). The purpose in the stories is mostly the same, except that in one story the rain fell longer.

Question 10
Discuss the similarities and differences between “the reaction/response of the deities after the deluge” in the flood story of Noah in Genesis and the flood story of Utnapishtim in the older The Epic of Gilgamesh.

The stories of the flood had a great many parallels in the motivation of the deities (God of the Bible and the gods of Gilgamesh) to destroy mankind and the creatures of the earth. The main similarity was cleansing the earth of all life. “And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.” (pg. 60) And in the story of Gilgamesh, the sound of life on the earth was too unbearable for the gods, and all life (although referred to as mankind) is sentenced to die. (pg. 35) After the flood is over, both Noah and Utnapishtim give up offerings, and in both stories the smell is what attracts the God or gods to the offering and pleases them. (pg. 37, 62)
The difference in the attitudes of the deities is also interesting. While the gods of Utnapishtim cower in fear from the storm, (pg. 36) God is with Noah during the flood and watches over him. (pg. 60) Although God had originally decided to end all mankind, his eye was on Noah from the start, (pg. 60) but the gods of Utnapishtim were much less organized, destroying mankind on a whim, while life was saved by Ea behind the other gods backs. (pg. 35) Even though the gods in Gilgamesh are sorry for trying to exterminate mankind, (pg.37) only the God of the Bible promises to Noah and all mankind that he will never flood the earth again. (pg. 62)

5. Discuss the similarities and differences between the “dwelling place of the deities” in the “flood story” of Noah in Genesis and the “flood story” of Utnapishtim in the older The Epic of Gilgamesh.

Answer: Within each of the stories about the flood, the “dwelling place of the deities”, has its share of similarities as well as its differences. In the biblical depiction of the “flood story” the dwelling place of God is within heaven a place of unknown description. In the Epic of Gilgamesh the dwelling place of the God Enlil who caused the flood lived somewhere within the mountains of the forest. (Page 16, Book A) In the “flood story” of Noah God’s dwelling place is not seen and there is no way of getting there directly. As for the Gods in the Gilgamesh Epic, the Gods dwelling places can be seen by others and is not considered to be a mystery. Both share the concept of not having any physical human interaction with followers and reveal themselves to the people when they see fit.

Source: Book A; Page 35

There were many similarities and differences of Cargo that was in both the “flood story” of Noah in Genesis and the “flood story” of Utnapishtim of the older version in The Epic of Gilgamesh. One of the main similarities was both people on the ships brought their family members and some sort of animals aboard with them. In the story of Noah stated on page 60 “But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons’ wives with thee. And every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring onto the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female”. It is very clear that in both stories that not only were animals brought onto the ship, also animals were.
However, there were animals brought on to the ship, in the story of Gilgamesh not both a male and female animal were brought onto the ship. There was real evidence of what kind of animals were brought onto to the ship. However, he was asked to bring one animal of each onto the boat. Another major issue was that in Gilgamesh they were asked to bring god and in the story of Noah they were asked to bring enough food for everyone. For example “I loaded into her all that I had of gold and of living things, my family, my kin, the beast of the field both wild and tame, and all the craftsman” (pp. 36). It is clear that family was the most important thing that was on the ships.

Walter Perkins
Eng 225
CA-01

The Reasons for Deluge

2. In both of these stories the reason for deluge was because the god’s were either agitated or angry with the people on earth. Also in both stories the characters that survived built a boat and brought animals on the boat with them. The exact reasoning for the gods causing these floods is different in these two stories. In the “Ark of Noah” the reason that the god created a flood was because he was angry with the “corruption on earth and the violence” (p.60). In Gilgamesh the gods decided as a council that they were annoyed by the people on earth. The gods agreed that the “uproar of mankind was intolerable and sleep is no longer possible by reason of babel” (p.35) so they created a flood to knock down the population and noise.

Daniel L.
2008-09-03
ENG 225.01 Survey of World Literature I

1.Discuss the similarities and differences between how the protagonists in the “flood story” of Noah in Genesis and the “flood story” of Utnapishtim in the older The Epic of Gilgamesh learned about the impending deluge. Be prepared to provide evidence of your answers from the texts (page numbers, line numbers, etc.)

The "flood story" in both Noah and Gilgamesh start in a world where the god(s) were angry of the people. In Giglamesh the gods become angry with all the noise, “the gods in council, “The uproar of mankind is intolerable and sleep is no longer possible by reason of the babel.” (pg. 35) Utnapishtim is warned by Ea in a dream, “Enlil did this, but Ea because of his oath warned me in a dream. “ (pg.35)
In the story of Noah it begins with a very angry God, “And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from face of the earth;” (pg. 60) However, unlike in Gilgamesh, Noah is warned about the flood directly from God. “And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me;” (pg. 60)

~Daniel L

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John A.
Mon 9/8/2008 11:27 AM
ENG 225.01 Survey of World Literature I

Discuss the similarities and differences between the “protagonists’ spouses” in the “flood story” of Noah in Genesis and the “flood story” of Utnapishtim in the older The Epic of Gilgamesh. Be prepared to provide evidence of your answer from the texts.

To start off the main purpose of the spouse in both stories is help repopulate the world Page 62 second paragraph. In Noah’s story of the flood he starts off with three children already. chapter 6 second paragraph Shem, Ham, and Japheth. However in Utnapishtim’s account he has not had a child yet. Giving the spouse even more work to do in the future.
Over all the spouse in Noah’s story didn’t have much of a playing role, always in the background only credited for birthing children. His account doesn’t even say that she cooked for him. However in Utnapishtim’s story the spouse baked bread for her husband to let him know how many days he was asleep 38 chapter 6 first paragraph. Giving her the credit of at least being able to make bread and tell what time it was.

~John A.

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