If you are looking for the beginning of the Epic of Gilgamesh study you should start HERE with the Historical introduction. The links to each set of study questions will be posted at the bottom of that original post as they are completed so you can easily find whichever section you are looking for.
Grammar Questions: (The Facts of the Text)
What simile do the shepherds use concerning Enkidu? (i)
How do the shepherds show hospitality to Enkidu? (i)
Where is the “stranger” going? (ii)
Where do Enkidu and Gilgamesh have their fight and who wins? (iii)
How do things stand between Enkidu and Gilgamesh after their fight? (iii-iv)
What quest does Gilgamesh determine to undertake? (v-vi)
What preparations do the “two warriors” make before going on their journey? (vi)
Who gives counsel to Gilgamesh and what do they advise? (vi)
What does Ninsun do in an attempt to help her son Gilgamesh? (vii)
Logic Questions: (Interpreting the Text)
Why is it necessary for Shamat to clothe Enkidu before their journey begins? (i)
Is there any symbolism in the fact that Shamat divides and shares her own garment with Enkidu? (i)
In what way is Enkidu himself pictured as a shepherd? (i)
Why is Enkidu “full of anger” at the story of the stranger? (ii)
How does Enkidu display virtue in opposition to Gilgamesh’s vice? (iii)
How would you interpret the symbolism of Enkidu and Gilgamesh wrestling “at the marital threshold?” (iii)
What kind of creature do you think Huwawa is? Why? (v)
Why does Gilgamesh want to go on this quest to defeat Huwawa? (v)
What conclusion might we draw from the fact that Ninsun offers sacrifices to Shamash? (vii)
Why does Ninsun adopt Enkidu? (vii)
In Tablet I Gilgamesh and Enkidu’s stormy hearts seem to calm after their battle with one another. Now their stormy hearts seem to be back as they prepare for an adventure. What might this tell us about the two warriors? (Tablets I and II-III)
Rhetoric Questions: (Analyzing Ideas in the Text)
Shamat is an important guide for Enkidu in this story. The text says “as if he was a child she held his hand.” (i) How important are guides in other works of literature? Can you give any examples?
What is the relationship between fame and immortality? (v)
Do you think Gilgamesh ought to take up the quest to defeat Huwawa? Why or why not? (v-vii)
Theological Analysis: (Bringing the Scripture to Bear on the Text)
In the previous reading and in this one Enkidu is compared to “a star that has fallen from heaven.” (i) Compare this to the way Scripture speaks about stars in Revelation 9:1 and Isaiah 14:12-20. Are they being used in similar or different ways?
Gilgamesh states, “Who is the mortal able to enter heaven? Only the gods can live forever. The life of man is short. What he accomplishes is but the wind.” (v) Compare this to Ecclesiastes ch. 1 (et. al.). Do you think that Gilgamesh and Solomon have the same view of the life and work of man? Why or why not.
Scripture says that a good name or reputation is invaluable (c.f. Proverbs 22:1; Ecclesiastes 7:1). Gilgamesh is concerned with his name being famous and remembered. What should Christians think about the difference between being famous and having a good reputation?
Look at Deuteronomy 17:5-6; Ruth 4:1-6, Proverbs 31:21 and compare it to part vi of this reading. What do you observe about the importance of “the gates” in an ancient city? What kinds of people are seen there and what kind of decisions are made?
Augustine of Hippo wrote in his book, Confessions, “You have made us for yourself and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you.” How would you relate this idea to The Epic of Gilgamesh?
Virtues/Vices/Great Ideas: (Find them in the Text)
Being/Needing a Guide, Wisdom vs. Ignorance, Friendship, Courage vs. Recklessness, Adoption