This Literature Unit Is:

The Epic of Gilgamesh: Part One
Gilgamesh the King
by Ludmilla Zeman

Introduction

The poet Rainer Maria Rilke, who read this story often, wrote, "Gilgamesh is an immensity." The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the oldest and most powerful stories that has survived until our day. It is much older than Homer's masterpieces, The Odyssey and The Iliad, dating back to the 3rd millennium B.C. It is the story of a king, part man/part god, who searches for immortality. Along the way he finds friendship and eventually comes to a new understanding of himself and his place in the world.

Gilgamesh the King is an excellent retelling for your youngest children. It is excellently illustrated by the author. This book tells the story of how Gilgamesh and Enkidu become friends.

Edition I Use: Gilgamesh the King by Ludmila Zeman
ISBN: 0-88776-437-1 / $8.95
Buy this Edition at Amazon.com / Not available on-line.

Unit Sections: