21 Epic Of Gilgamesh Quotes Perfect For Revision
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'The Epic Of Gilgamesh' is an epic poem from ancient Mesopotamia, regarded as the earliest surviving notable literature and the second oldest religious text.
The literary history of Gilgamesh begins with five Sumerian poems about Gilgamesh, king of Uruk, dating from the Third Dynasty. The best-known and most popular hero in the ancient Near East’s mythology, Gilgamesh was a Sumerian king who wished to become immortal.
Endowed with superhuman strength, courage, and power, he appeared in numerous legends and myths, including 'The Epic Of Gilgamesh'. “As for man, his days are numbered; whatever he might do, it is but wind” says Andrew George, from'The Epic Of Gilgamesh'.
'The Epic Of Gilgamesh' has several moral themes, but the central theme is that love is a motivating force. Other moral themes in this epic are the inevitability of death and the danger of dealing with the Gods. Another great lesson Gilgamesh learns is the inescapable truth of human death.
Some people like to read books of different genres according to their interests and preference. The central theme of 'The Epic Of Gilgamesh' is that of mortality.
Gilgamesh learns that death is the fate of all humans; this life is transitory and what passes for immortality is what one leaves behind. Gilgamesh experiences fear and depression and seeks immortality.
Enkidu teaches Gilgamesh what it means to be human; he teaches him the meaning of love and compassion, the sense of loss and of growing older. You will find quotes from Gilgamesh where he realizes he can't bring Enkidu back to life.
If you enjoy this article, you can also read [whaling quotes], and 'Where The Wild Things Are' quotes.
Quotes About Gilgamesh
Gilgamesh was a major hero in ancient Mesopotamian mythology and the protagonist of 'The Epic Of Gilgamesh'. He was likely a historical king of the Sumerian city-state of Uruk, who was posthumously deified. Here are some of the quotes about Gilgamesh that can inspire analysis to go with it.
1. “Hold my hand in yours, and we will not fear what hands like ours can do.”
- Anonymous, 'The Epic Of Gilgamesh'.
2. “The dream was marvellous but the terror was great; we must treasure the dream whatever the terror; for the dream has shown that misery comes at last to the healthy man, the end of his life is sorrow.”
- Anonymous, 'The Epic Of Gilgamesh'.
3. “Gilgamesh was called a god and a man; Enkidu was an animal and a man. It is the story of their becoming human together.”
- Herbert Mason, 'The Epic Of Gilgamesh'.
4. “Gilgamesh, where are you roaming? You will never find the eternal life that you seek. When the gods created mankind, they also created death, and they held back eternal life for themselves alone. Humans are born, they live, then they die, this is the order that the gods have decreed.”
- Anonymous, 'The Epic Of Gilgamesh'.
5. “Gilgamesh was called a god and a man; Enkidu was an animal and a man. It is the story of their becoming human together.”
- Herbert Mason, 'The Epic Of Gilgamesh'.
6. “What you seek you shall never find. For when the Gods made man. They kept immortality to themselves.”
- Anonymous, 'The Epic Of Gilgamesh'.
7. “My father gave me the Bull of Heaven to destroy Gilgamesh. Fill Gilgamesh, I say, with arrogance to his destruction; but if you refuse to give me the Bull of Heaven I will break in the doors of hell and smash the bolts; there will be confusion of people, those above with those from the lower depths.”
- Anonymous, 'The Epic Of Gilgamesh'.
Best Quotes From Gilgamesh
'The Epic Of Gilgamesh' quotes touch upon various important aspects. Gilgamesh quotes about justice, Gilgamesh quotes about giving, Gilgamesh quotes about gender, Gilgamesh quotes about learning and 'The Epic Of Gilgamesh' quotes dealing with immortality are just a few of the examples. Read on for some epic quotes from Gilgamesh and Enkidu.
8. “Even as one did thy mother bear thee, she the wild cow of the cattle stalls, Ninsunna, whose head she exalted more than a husband.”
- Enkidu, 'The Epic Of Gilgamesh'.
9. “My friend, whom I loved, has turned to clay, my friend Enkidu, whom I loved has turned to clay. Shall I not be like him, and also lie down, never to rise again, through all eternity?”
- Anonymous, 'The Epic Of Gilgamesh'.
10. “As for you, Gilgamesh, fill your belly with good things; day and night, night and day, dance and be merry, feast and rejoice.”
- Anonymous, 'The Epic Of Gilgamesh'.
11. “There he shall wash his long hair clean as snow in the water, he shall throw off his skins and let the sea carry them away, and the beauty of his body shall be shown, the fillet on his forehead shall be renewed, and he shall be given clothes to cover his nakedness.”
- Anonymous, 'The Epic Of Gilgamesh'.
12. “Truly oh Gilgamesh he is born in the fields like thee. The mountains have reared him.”
- Enkidu, 'The Epic Of Gilgamesh'.
13. “Because of my brother I stray through the wilderness. His fate lies heavy upon me. How can I be silent, how can I rest?” How shall I find the life for which I am searching?”
- Anonymous, 'The Epic Of Gilgamesh'.
14. “What you seek you shall never find. For when the Gods made man, They kept immortality to themselves. Fill your belly.”
- Anonymous, 'The Epic Of Gilgamesh'.
Immortality Quotes From 'The Epic Of Gilgamesh'
Along with 'The Epic Of Gilgamesh' quotes fate, there are also stormy hearted Gilgamesh quotes that you must read. The relation of man vs nature in Gilgamesh quotes offers a lesson for all the readers. Here are some fascinating quotes from Gilgamesh which you will certainly enjoy. Which of these Gilgamesh quotes about immortality is your favorite?
15. “From the days of old there is no permanence. The sleeping and the dead, how alike they are, they are like a painted death.”
- Anonymous, 'The Epic Of Gilgamesh'.
16. “How can I be silent, how can I rest, when Enkidu whom I love is dust, and I too shall die and be laid in the earth.”
- Anonymous, 'The Epic Of Gilgamesh'.
17. “Savor your food, make each of your days a delight, bathe and anoint yourself, wear bright clothes that are sparkling clean, let music and dancing fill your house, love the child who holds you by the hand, and give your wife pleasure in your embrace. That is the best way for a man to live.”
- Anonymous, 'The Epic Of Gilgamesh'.
18. “When all the illusions of personal immortality are stripped away, there is only the act to maintain the freedom to act.”
- John Gardner, 'The Epic Of Gilgamesh'.
19. “The mother of Gilgamesh, she knows all things.”
- Anonymous, 'The Epic Of Gilgamesh'.
20. “Among the great sheep for sacrifice Enkidu was their guard. A man, a leader, A hero.”
- Enkidu, 'The Epic Of Gilgamesh'.
21. “He heard her speak and accepted her words with favor.”
- Anonymous, 'The Epic Of Gilgamesh'.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created interesting family-friendly quotes for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestion 'The Epic Of Gilgamesh' quotes perfect for revision, why not look at Arya Stark quotes and astronomy quotes.
main image credit: Yasemin Olgunoz Berber / Shutterstock.com
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Bachelor of Arts specializing in English and Drama, Master of Arts specializing in Performance: Design and Practice
Luca DemetriouBachelor of Arts specializing in English and Drama, Master of Arts specializing in Performance: Design and Practice
Experienced in writing and sub-editing, Luca holds a Bachelor's in English Literature and Drama from the University of Birmingham, where he served as the culture editor at Redbrick Paper. He is currently pursuing a Master's in Performance: Design and Practice at the University of the Arts in London, showcasing his passion for the arts, performance, and history. With a keen interest in traveling, Luca enjoys exploring new cultures and experiencing diverse perspectives.
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