Discussion Questions for Gilgamesh the Hero

Pages 1-47

Where do dreams come from? (4-5)

Why does Ninsun think Gilgamesh's dreams mean the gods are sending him a friend? (5)

Why does Ninsun say a friend is more important than a king, sage or wife? Is she right? (5)

What makes a good or a bad ruler?

Why do you think Gilgamesh is bored and restless? (11)

Why doesn't Gilgamesh go to tame the wild man? (11)

Why is Hatti able to tame Enkidu? (14)

What might Hatti and Enkidu represent beyond the story? Hint: Think about where they have come from.

What are the differences between Uruk and the wilderness where Enkidu lives?

What are the differences between living in a city and living in a country? Between living in the 21st century and living in the 18th century or earlier?

Why does the fight between the two men build their friendship? (18)

How would you define civilization? (20)

What does it mean to "make your mark" in the world? (22)

Are there different ways to "make your mark"? Is so, what are they?

Gilgamesh says, "Fame is everything." Is he right? Why or why not? (22)

The old men say, "Youth is rash." What do they mean by this? (23)

Are the old men wise or just scared who counsel Gilgamesh not to fight Huwawa? (23)

Gilgamesh says, "What do you want me to do, gentlemen? Sit at home for three score years? Wrap up warm in winter and keep cool in the summer, and stay safe here in Uruk?" What would or wouldn't be wrong with that? (23)

On page 24 it says, "There is no telling young people anything they do not want to hear." What does this mean? Is it true? Why or why not? (24)

At Enkidu does not want to fight. Is he wise or brave? (27)

Is Gilgamesh brave or rash? (27)

What does it mean to be brave?

Should Gilgamesh have spared Huwawa? Why or why not? (29)

Why is Ishtar so angry to hear the truth about herself? (32-34)

Are dreams "omens" and "messages" as Enkidu thinks? (41)

Pages 48-95

Why does Gilgamesh think that death makes "nonsense of all endeavor," makes "fame worthless" and "achievements hollow"?

What is Gilgamesh more upset about: Enkidu's death or the death he will eventually face?

Why does Gilgamesh feel better after killing the lions? (51)

Why do the Scorpion Beings let Gilgamesh pass? (54)

What might the darkness that Gilgamesh passes through represent? (55-56)

Why does Siduri say that marrying and having children will foil the gods? (60)

Why do you think death is called a river? "The River of Death" (64)

Why do you think the "River of Death" is so deep? What does this signify? (64)

What do you think of Urshanabi's advice in the first paragraph on page 66? (66)

Utnapishtim says the four most important things are a wife [or husband], contentment, memories and peace. Do you agree with this? Why or why not? (69)

Utnapishtim says that the only things a man needs to be happy are a loaf of bread, a jug of wine and good company. What does he mean by this? (79)

Do you think Gilgamesh is changed in anyway after meeting Utnapishtim? If so, in what ways?

What do the closing lines of the book mean: "He walked through darkness and so glimpsed the light"? (95)

What did you think of this book?

What did you think of Gilgamesh?