Did Homer Plagiarize Gilgamesh in The Iliad and The Odyssey?

In the historical and literary world, the question of whether Homer might have borrowed elements from the ancient Sumerian epic of Gilgamesh to craft works such as The Iliad and The Odyssey has been the subject of debate for centuries. This article will delve into the historical context, the evidence surrounding the Gilgamesh Epic, and the scholarly opinions on the matter.

The Gilgamesh Epic: Its Origin and Evolution

The earliest known version of the Gilgamesh Epic was written in the late third millennium BCE by an unknown author or authors. Ten tablets, each containing five of the known Sumerian poems about Gilgamesh, have been discovered. These poems are part of an ancient Mesopotamian literary tradition that flourished in the region.

By the early second millennium BCE, the Sumerian Gilgamesh stories were adapted into the Akkadian language and became the Old Babylonian version of the epic. The title of this version is widely recognized as the Gilgamesh Epic, marking a significant evolution in the narrative and thematic content of the story.

The Standard Babylonian Version and Its Author

The Standard Babylonian version, which is the most complete and widely studied, was significantly revised in the late second millennium BCE. Attribution of this version is often given to an author who identified himself as Sin-leqi-unninni. This version serves as a clearer and more coherent narrative, showing a refined and structured story that laid the foundation for the Gilgamesh legend as it is known today.

Scholarly Debates on the Influence of the Gilgamesh Epic on Homer

Over the centuries, many scholars have debated the extent to which Homer may have drawn from the Gilgamesh Epic for his own works. Some renowned scholars, such as ML West and Stephanie Dalley, have suggested that themes, characters, and motifs from the Gilgamesh Epic can be identified in The Iliad and The Odyssey. However, this view is not universally accepted, and the idea of direct plagiarism remains a controversial topic.

ML West, in his book The East Face of Helicon: West Asiatic Elements in Greek Poetry and Myth, argues that there are clear similarities between Homer’s works and the Gilgamesh Epic. For example, in Chapter 19, he discusses the motif of a hero seeking immortality, which is a common theme in both epics.

Stephanie Dalley, in Myth, Religion and the Achaean Society of Bronze Age Greece: An Alternative View, argues for the possibility of direct influence by Sumerian and Akkadian epics on Homeric literature. She provides several examples of striking parallels in narrative, such as the instance of a hero visiting the underworld, which is present in both Gilgamesh and Achilles’ journey in The Odyssey.

Counterarguments and the State of Research

It is important to note that not all scholars agree with these views. Some argue that the similarities between the epics could be due to shared cultural traditions or that the cultural proximity and the transmission of stories over time naturally led to convergences in narrative and theme.

The debate on the influence of the Gilgamesh Epic on Homer is a complex one and remains a subject of ongoing research. Scholars continue to analyze texts, conduct linguistic and cultural comparisons, and explore the nuances of ancient storytelling.

Conclusion

The question of whether Homer plagiarized Gilgamesh in crafting his own works is a fascinating one that continues to stir scholarly debate. While evidence suggests possible influence, the definitive answer remains elusive. Further research and interdisciplinary analysis will no doubt continue to shed light on the rich tapestry of ancient literature.

The Gilgamesh Epic, with its origins in Mesopotamia and its influence on later cultural and literary traditions, exemplifies the enduring power and significance of ancient storytelling. Its journey from Sumerian to Akkadian and ultimately to the influence on Western literature is a testament to the universal human quest for understanding, heroism, and the nature of existence.