Annotated Bibliography of Gilgamesh

This article predominantly concentrates on giving an explicit account of The Epic of Gilgamesh”. It critically looks into a number of rhetorical questions concerning genealogy and possible transmission of the story. The literary equivalents between the Hebrew bible and the epic are also comprehensively addressed, with close attention to the issue (Beavers 12). Since the article is connected to several valuable links such as internet sites, chronology, texts, and essays, it is ideal and useful for understanding the traditional world cultures in the perspective of the Gilgamesh epic. The article also provides clarifications about why certain things occurred. This helps the reader to interpret clearly what happened.

Brown, Arthur A. “EAWC Essay: Storytelling, the Meaning of Life, and the Epic of Gilgamesh.” EAWC Essay: Storytelling, the Meaning of Life, and the Epic of Gilgamesh. N.p., 1996.
This reference goes beyond the mere narration of The Epic of Gilgamesh. It extends to provide much more information about the inhabitants of the region between rivers Euphrates and Tigris, known as Sumerians. The source is extensively involved in a proactive explanation of why the Sumerians believed in the worship of many gods. It also sheds more light concerning the civilization process that took place among the Sumerians as a result of the epic of Gilgamesh. The article argues that readers can understand the story in a cultural context (Brown 6). This is significant for a better understanding of the meaning of life, which is made possible because “The Epic of Gilgamesh” is dominated by creation stories.

The article is also vital for other scholars since it uniquely states the story of breaking down of the tablets into pieces. In other words, it links the epic of Gilgamesh to the creation of a number of things like humans, land and rivers. It also provides explanations about why certain things happened. A clear and simple way of reading and comprehending the epic is also offered. The source can hence serve as a stepping stone in understanding Mesopotamian world of mythology.

This source provides a clear and interesting narration and analysis of the epic of Gilgamesh. It first gives the readers a gist of the content of the story by providing precise background information that takes them back to the world of myth and enables them to appreciate literature. In the introductory part, it provides a background of The Epic of Gilgamesh and proceeds to give details about his heroic journey. It offers a clear explanation about the coincidence in the epic of Gilgamesh, whereby Gilgamesh meets his companion, mentor and helper, named Enkidu (Carnahan 9). The source presents The Epic of Gilgamesh with sufficient information that gives readers an opportunity to infer all the constituents of the Sumerian mythology that they could have lost contact with over time. In addition, it is very straight to the point and hence easy to understand. This source not only narrates about the origin of the epic champion, Gilgamesh, but also gives a detailed explanation about his role in that society in the Sumerian period.

This article focuses on the psychological approach of interpreting the epic of Gilgamesh. In the viewpoint of the author, this epic is merely a myth that has to be put in its cultural setting for it to be well understood (Kluger 8). Her description begins right at the start of the epic and proceeds with every section, aspect, occurrence, and event. The article follows these aspects in a systematic manner throughout the story to its conclusion. This gives the reader an opportunity to move directly to whichever unit of the poem that interests him or her.

This study by Samuel Kramer is predominantly based on the Sumerian mythical materials. These materials comprise of clay tablet inscriptions that have been preserved for approximately four thousand years (Kramer 21). The study is characterized by a lengthy introduction that offers much and detailed information about various aspects of the report. The book offers comprehensive information about the discovery, translation, publication, and the decipherment of the Gilgamesh epic. It proceeds to explore the scope as well as the significance of the Sumerian mythology while paying close attention to its origin and relevance. The article is hence helpful for enhancing the understanding and interpretation of the Gilgamesh epic.

Works Cited
Beavers, Anthony F. “Exploring Ancient World Cultures: The Ancient near East.” University of Evansville, 2004
Brown, Arthur A. “EAWC Essay: Storytelling, the Meaning of Life, and the Epic of Gilgamesh.” EAWC Essay: Storytelling, the Meaning of Life, and the Epic of Gilgamesh. N.p., 1996.
Carnahan, Timothy, ed. “The Epic of Gilgamesh.” Academy for Ancient Texts, 2006. Kluger, Rivkah Scharf. The Archetypal Significance of Gilgamesh: A Modern Ancient Hero. Einsiedeln, Switzerland: Daimon Verlag, 1991.
Kluger, Rivkah Scharf. The Archetypal Significance of Gilgamesh: A Modern Ancient Hero. Einsiedeln, Switzerland: Daimon Verlag, 1991.
Kramer, Samuel Noah. Sumerian Mythology: A Study of Spiritual and Literary Achievement in the Third Millennium B.C. Revised Edition. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1961.