The Epic of Gilgamesh: Its Origin and Evolution

The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the oldest and most famous works of literature from the ancient Near East. Its rich and complex narrative has captivated scholars and readers for millennia. Originating from Sumerian and Akkadian cultures, the epic has undergone many revisions and interpretations, spanning from the early third millennium BCE to the Old Babylonian period.

Early Sumerian Culture and Emergence of Writing

According to historians, early Sumerian culture began around 4500-4000 BCE, laying the foundation for the development of recorded literature. The Sumerians are credited with inventing the first form of writing, known as cuneiform, around 3200 BCE. This rudimentary writing system allowed for the preservation of myths, legends, and legal codes.

The First Poetic Attempts

While the epic as we know it today likely evolved over many centuries, the oldest fragments date back to around the early 18th century BCE. These early versions were preceded by five Sumerian poems from the late third millennium BCE, which were incorporated into the epic structure. The early fragments found in multiple locations, such as Sippar and Nippur in northern and southern Mesopotamia, suggest that the epic may have originated in the 19th century BCE, as it circulated from city to city.

The Nillian and Damuzi Poem

Among these early Sumerian poems, one significant text is the Nillian and the Death of Damuzi. This poem describes the death and return of Damuzi, who is a shepherd and leader figure. The name of the overseer, iNaNa, is also mentioned. In Sumerian mythology, iNaNa is referred to as the "little grandmother," while the moon goddess, NaNa, is known as the "big grandmother." The crossing of the sun and the opposing positions of Mars and the sun have astrological significance, indicating a rebirth or resurrection.

Evolution of the Epic

The earliestComplete versions of the Epic of Gilgamesh were written in Akkadian, a Semitic language used by the Babylonians and Assyrians. The epic describes the legendary king of Uruk, Gilgamesh, and his adventures. However, the connection between Gilgamesh and the famous king of Uruk from the early third millennium BCE is not guaranteed. The prominent kings of the Third Dynasty of Ur, a late third millennium BCE ruling dynasty, may have commissioned these Sumerian poems, which were based in Ur rather than Uruk.

The earliest manuscripts of the epic itself have been found in mid and northern Mesopotamia, indicating that the epic may have originated there rather than in Uruk. These early versions were likely composed as court entertainment, providing amusement and cultural significance for the royal courts of the Old Babylonian Empire, which flourished between 1792 and 1750 BCE, under the rule of Hammurabi.

Writing and Revision

The original composition of the Old Babylonian epic remains a mystery, but the name of the scribe Sin-leqi-unninni is associated with the later revised Standard Babylonian edition. Whether the epic was originally composed as court entertainment or had other purposes, its evolution into the grand narrative we know today is a clear indication of the enduring importance of Gilgamesh in ancient Mesopotamian culture.