Gilgamesh Questions

Al Weber

Alex Ackerman

Sienna Johnson

Gilgamesh questions

1.     What is going on in this story? Put it in your own words.

There was the ginormous guardian (Humbaba) who protects the trees  and is a slave to the gods. Two peasants (Gilgamesh and Enkidu) want some of the cedar trees to build their own houses.  Gilgamesh takes pity on the monster, but Enkidu says to kill him.

2.     Can you relate this story to any other you know or have read?

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss is very similar to the Epic of Gilgamesh. In both there is a guardian that protects trees whom is overrun by tree cutters.

3.     What do you think the epic says about Sumer.

It tells you that Sumer does not have a lot of trees because they are sacred. It also showed that they believed in monsters, and guardians.

4.     What strengths does Gilgamesh have as a hero?

He does not want to cause harm to the monster, and takes pity on it.

5.     What is your groups opinion of Enkidu?

Enkidu is enraged that he is almost killed by Humbaba, and wants to take revenge. His mentality is “an eye for an eye”.  Basically, he is a jerk.