In the ancient Mesopotamian tale of 'The Epic of Gilgamesh', the powerful King Gilgamesh embarks on a quest for immortality alongside his wild companion, Enkidu. Their adventures lead them to confront the gods, face monstrous challenges, and ultimately grapple with the fragility of life. As love, friendship, and loss intertwine, Gilgamesh learns profound lessons about human existence and the inevitability of death. This timeless epic weaves together themes of heroism, humanity, and the quest for meaning that resonate through the ages. Dive into this captivating narrative that not only chronicles the exploits of a legendary king but also poses the timeless question: what does it truly mean to be immortal?
By
Published: 1960
"The journey to discover the meaning of life is fraught with dangers and treasures alike; it is not in the seeking of glory but in the bonds we forge along the way that we find our true legacy."
N. K. Sandars's landmark translation of one of the first and greatest works of Western literature A Penguin Classic Gilgamesh, King of Uruk, and his companion Enkidu are the only heroes to have survived from the ancient literature of Babylon, immortalized in this epic poem that dates back to the third millennium BC. Together they journey to the Spring of Youth, defeat the Bull of Heaven and slay the monster Humbaba. When Enkidu dies, Gilgamesh’s grief and fear of death are such that they lead him to undertake a quest for eternal life. A timeless tale of morality, tragedy and pure adventure, The Epic of Gilgamesh is a landmark literary exploration of man’s search for immortality. N. K. Sandars’s lucid, accessible translation is prefaced by a detailed introduction that examines the narrative and historical context of the work. In addition, there is a glossary of names and a map of the Ancient Orient. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
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“The journey to discover the meaning of life is fraught with dangers and treasures alike; it is not in the seeking of glory but in the bonds we forge along the way that we find our true legacy.”
The Epic of Gilgamesh
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