The Epic of Gilgamesh

Introduction

The Epic of Gilgamesh: Modern English Continuous Reading.

This is a modern English reading assembled from historical public domain translations of the Epic of Gilgamesh.

The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the oldest surviving works of literature. Its stories were first told and written in ancient Mesopotamia more than four thousand years ago and were preserved on clay tablets in several languages and versions.

It tells of Gilgamesh, king of Uruk, and his friendship with the wild man Enkidu, a story of adventure, loss, and the human search for meaning in the face of death.

This is the Epic of Gilgamesh.

Tablet One — Uruk and Enkidu

Let the man who has searched to the heart of all things teach the nation. Let the man who possesses knowledge instruct the people. Let him share his wisdom, so that all may learn together.

Gilgamesh was a master of wisdom, with knowledge of all things. He uncovered a hidden secret. He handed down an account of the time before the Flood. He traveled far, weary and worn by his struggles, and carved the story of his hardships on a stone tablet.

He built the walls of high-walled Uruk. He secured the foundations of sacred Eanna, the holy treasury, making them strong as bronze.

Climb the walls of Uruk and walk along them. Look at their foundations. Examine the bricks fired in a kiln.

Two-thirds of him were divine, and one-third human.

The people of Uruk complained.

“He holds his head high like a wild bull. No one can withstand the force of his weapons. His companions are driven without rest, and the young men of Uruk suffer.

“Gilgamesh leaves no son to his father. Day and night his arrogance grows. Yet he is the shepherd of high-walled Uruk. He is our shepherd, commanding, powerful, cunning.

“Gilgamesh leaves no young woman to her mother, no daughter to a warrior, no wife to her husband.”

The immortal gods heard their cries. The gods of heaven spoke to Anu, the lord of Uruk.

“You have brought forth a son, but he is a tyrant. He holds his head high like a wild bull. No one can withstand the force of his weapons. His companions are driven without rest, and the young men of Uruk suffer.

“Gilgamesh leaves no son to his father. Day and night his arrogance grows. Yet he is the shepherd of high-walled Uruk. He is their shepherd, commanding, powerful, cunning.

“Gilgamesh leaves no young woman to her mother, no daughter to a warrior, no wife to her husband.”

Anu heard their cries and called to the goddess Aruru.

“Aruru, you created the first seed of humankind. Now create a counterpart, someone who will meet Gilgamesh when he pursues his pleasure. Let them struggle with one another, so that Uruk may have peace.”

When Aruru heard this, she formed Anu's idea in her mind. She washed her hands, took some clay, and shaped it in the wilderness. There she created Enkidu, a warrior, a counterpart of Ninurta.

Hair covered his whole body. He tied his long hair back with a band, as a woman might. It grew thick as the bristles of barley. He knew neither people nor their lands, and his clothing was like Sumuqan's.

He grazed on plants with the gazelles. He drank his fill beside the cattle. Among the wild animals, his heart rejoiced at the water.

A hunter, a trapper, came face to face with him at the watering place. For one day, two days, three days, he encountered him there.

At the sight of Enkidu, the hunter's face filled with terror. He went back to his homestead with his cattle, distressed and afraid. He cried aloud, his heart troubled, his face dark with worry, his belly full of anguish. He looked like a man worn out by a long journey.

The hunter spoke to his father.

“Father, a powerful man has come down from the mountains. No one in the whole country is stronger. His strength is enormous, like that of Anu himself.

“He roams the mountains, grazes with the cattle, and comes to drink at the water. I am afraid to go near him. He fills in the pits I have dug with my own hands. He tears up the traps I set. He helps the cattle and the wild animals escape me. He will not let me hunt.”

His father answered him.

“My son, Gilgamesh lives in Uruk, and no one has defeated him. No one in the whole country is stronger. His strength is enormous, like that of Anu himself.

“Go to Uruk. When he hears about this strange being, he will tell you: ‘Hunter, take a courtesan with you. When he brings the animals to their watering place, let her remove her cloak and reveal her beauty. He will see her and embrace her. Then the animals that grew up with him in the wilderness will reject him.’”

The hunter listened to his father's advice and set out for Gilgamesh. He took the road to Uruk and, when he reached him, said:

“A powerful man has come down from the mountains. No one in the whole country is stronger. His strength is enormous, like that of Anu himself.

“He roams the mountains, grazes with the cattle, and comes to drink at the water. I am afraid to go near him. He fills in the pits I have dug with my own hands. He tears up the traps I set. He helps the cattle and the wild animals escape me. He will not let me hunt.”

Gilgamesh answered the hunter.

“Go, hunter, and take a courtesan with you. When he brings the animals to their watering place, let her remove her cloak and reveal her beauty. He will see her and embrace her. Then the animals that grew up with him in the wilderness will reject him.”

The hunter took a courtesan, and together they set out on the journey. After three days they reached the appointed place and sat down to wait.

For one day, then two, they waited beside the watering place. At last the cattle came to drink their fill.

The animals came to enjoy the water. Enkidu was among them, the man born in the mountains. He grazed on plants with the gazelles. He drank his fill beside the cattle. Among the wild animals, his heart rejoiced at the water.

The courtesan saw him: a great, vigorous man, wild and untamed, coming from the depths of the wilderness.

“That is him,” the hunter said. “Reveal your beauty. Let him see you and take pleasure in you. Do not be shy. Captivate him. When he sees you, he will come closer. Loosen your cloak and let him embrace you. Use your skill as a woman. Once he has held you against his chest, the animals that grew up with him in the wilderness will reject him.”

The woman bared her breasts and revealed her beauty. She was not shy. She captivated him, loosened her cloak, and let him embrace her. She used her skill as a woman, and he held her against his chest.

For six days and seven nights, Enkidu lay with the courtesan.

At last, satisfied with her embrace, he turned back toward his animals. But the gazelles ran away as soon as they saw him. The creatures of the wilderness fled from Enkidu.

His former bodily strength was gone. As the animals ran, his knees failed him. He could no longer run as he once had. Yet he had matured, and his understanding had grown.

He returned and sat at the woman's feet. She studied his face. He listened as she spoke.

“You are handsome, Enkidu. You will be like a god. Why do you wander through the wilderness with the animals? Come. I will lead you to high-walled Uruk, to the sacred temple where Anu and Ishtar dwell. There Gilgamesh rules in power, towering over other men like a wild bull.”

Her words pleased him, for he had begun to feel a longing for a companion. He said to the courtesan:

“Then take me to that holy temple, to the dwelling of Anu and Ishtar, where Gilgamesh rules in power and towers over other men like a wild bull.

“I too will call him out. I will challenge him boldly and cry through Uruk, ‘I too am mighty!’ I will change the course of destiny. The man born in the wilderness is the strongest!”

“Come to high-walled Uruk, Enkidu,” the woman said. “There the people dress in beautiful festival clothes, and every day is a celebration. Eunuch priests clash their cymbals, and dancing women abandon themselves to pleasure, keeping the nobles from their beds.

“You will taste the full joy of life, Enkidu. I will show you a happy man: Gilgamesh. Look at him. See his face, his handsome strength. His whole body is full of power. His energy exceeds yours. Day and night he is restless.

“Restrain your arrogance, Enkidu. Shamash loves Gilgamesh. Anu, Enlil, and Ea have given him great wisdom.”

The woman continued:

“Before you came down from your mountains, Gilgamesh had already seen you in a dream in Uruk. He went to his mother and told her what he had seen.

“‘Mother, I had a vision in the night. I saw the stars of heaven. Then something like Anu himself fell upon my shoulders. I tried to lift him, but he was too strong. I loosened his grip, but I could not shake him off.

“‘All the people of Uruk stood around him. Craftsmen pressed behind him, and warriors gathered close. My own companions kissed his feet. I held him against my chest as I would a woman. Then I placed him at your feet, so that you would accept him as my equal.’”

The woman continued her account of the dream.

“His mother, who knew all wisdom, answered him. In her wisdom she answered Gilgamesh:

“‘The stars of heaven stand for your companions. The being like Anu who fell upon your shoulders, whom you tried to lift but found too strong, whose grip you loosened but whom you could not shake off; the one you placed at my feet so that I would accept him as your equal, and whom you held against your chest as you would a woman: this is a brave man, a friend ready to stand beside you.

“‘No one in the whole country is stronger. His strength is enormous, like that of Anu himself. Because you held him against your chest as you would a woman, you may know that he will never abandon you. That is the meaning of your dream.’”

The woman went on:

“Gilgamesh spoke to his mother again.

“‘Mother, I had a second dream. An axe came hurtling into high-walled Uruk, and people gathered around it. All the people crowded in front of it, and craftsmen pressed behind it. I placed it at your feet. I held it close as I would a woman, so that you would accept it as my equal.’”

“His wise mother answered her son. In her wisdom she answered Gilgamesh:

“‘The axe you saw is a man. You held him against your chest as you would a woman, so that I would accept him as your equal. He is a brave man, a friend ready to stand beside you. No one in the whole country is stronger. His strength is enormous, like that of Anu himself.’

“Gilgamesh answered his mother: ‘May Enlil fulfill his command. Let there be a companion to guide me; let there be a companion to guide me.’”

Tablet Two — The Meeting and the Contest

For another six days and seven nights, Enkidu lay with the woman. Then she said, “Come, rise from the ground.”

He listened to her words and accepted her counsel. The woman's advice entered his heart. She took off a garment and clothed him with it; she kept another garment for herself. She took his hand and led him, like a god, to the fertile meadow and the sheepfolds. There they received food.

He had been accustomed to suck the milk of cattle. They put food before him. He broke off a piece, looked at it, and stared. Enkidu did not know how to eat this food; he had not learned to drink beer.

The woman spoke to him. “Eat, Enkidu: this is the sustenance of life. Drink beer, as is the custom of the land.”

Enkidu ate until he was satisfied and drank seven goblets of beer. His spirit relaxed and he grew merry. His heart rejoiced, and his face shone. A barber removed the hair on his body. He was anointed with oil and became like a man. He put on a garment, as men do.

He took his weapon and attacked lions, so that the shepherds could rest at night. He drove in his dagger and overcame the lions. The shepherds lay down to sleep; Enkidu was their protector, the strong man, the unmatched hero.

As he was making merry, he raised his eyes and saw a man. He spoke to the woman. “Call that man over.”

The woman called him and asked the purpose of his journey.

The man told Enkidu that he was going to a wedding feast.

“Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk, will lie with the bride before her husband does. The gods decreed this for him from the day his umbilical cord was cut.”

At the man's words, Enkidu's face grew pale.

Enkidu went ahead, with the courtesan behind him, and entered Uruk of the squares. The people gathered around him. He stood in the streets, and the people said, “He has suddenly become like Gilgamesh in form, though shorter. His build is powerful. In the land he has become strong. He once sucked the milk of cattle.”

The heroes of Uruk rejoiced. He became a leader, a rival to Gilgamesh, the handsome hero who was like a god.

The bed was prepared for lovemaking. At night Gilgamesh came to lie with the bride. But Enkidu stood in the street and blocked his way, confronting him with his strength.

Enkidu advanced against him, his hair luxuriant. He started toward him, and they met in the district's square. Enkidu blocked the gate with his foot and would not let Gilgamesh enter.

They seized one another and fought like bulls. They broke the threshold and damaged the wall. Gilgamesh and Enkidu seized one another and fought like bulls. They broke the threshold and damaged the wall.

Gilgamesh bent his foot to the ground. His anger subsided, and his heart grew calm. When his heart was calm, Enkidu spoke to him.

“Your mother bore you as a man without equal. Ninsun, the wild cow of the stall, raised your head above other men. Enlil decreed kingship over people for you.”

They kissed and became friends.

Tablet Three — The Cedar Forest Expedition

Ninsun spoke of Enkidu's solitary origins. He had been born in the wilderness and had no human family. Enkidu heard her words and sat down in sorrow.

Enkidu's eyes filled with tears. He clutched his heart and sighed in grief. Enkidu's eyes filled with tears. He clutched his heart and sighed in grief. Gilgamesh's face was troubled, and he spoke to Enkidu.

“My friend, why are your eyes filled with tears? Why do you clutch your heart and sigh in grief?”

Enkidu spoke to Gilgamesh. “My friend, my heart aches. My arms are weak, and my strength has failed.”

Gilgamesh answered Enkidu.

“My friend, I am determined to go to the Cedar Forest. I will overcome fierce Humbaba and destroy what is evil. Then I will cut down the cedar.”

Enkidu spoke to Gilgamesh. “Listen, my friend. When I roamed the mountains with the cattle, I penetrated a double hour into the heart of the forest, toward Humbaba. His roar is a flood, his mouth is fire, his breath is death. Why do you wish to do this, to advance toward Humbaba's dwelling?”

Gilgamesh answered Enkidu.

“I am going to the forest because I need the riches of its mountains.”

Enkidu said to Gilgamesh:

“The guardian of the Cedar Forest is a warrior, strong and never sleeping.”

“Enlil appointed him to guard the Cedar Forest, a terror to mortals. If he hears even a footstep on the path, he asks, ‘Who has come down into his forest?’ Enlil appointed him to guard the Cedar Forest, a terror to mortals. Disaster will seize anyone who comes down into his forest.”

Gilgamesh answered Enkidu.

“My friend, who can escape death? Only the gods live forever in the daylight. As for mortals, their days are numbered. Whatever they do is only wind.

“Now you are afraid of death. What has become of your courage? I will go ahead of you. Your own mouth will have to admit that you feared the assault of battle.

“If I fall, I will have made a name that lasts forever. People will say, ‘Gilgamesh was the one who fought fierce Humbaba!’”

“In the years to come, when my children have been born in my house, they will climb upon you and say, ‘Tell us everything you know.’”

“When you speak like this, you grieve my heart. I am determined to cut down the cedar and win a name that lasts forever.”

“Now, my friend, let us give our instructions to the craftsmen, so that they can cast our weapons before us.”

They gave the craftsmen their instructions. The workers prepared the molds and cast enormous axes, each weighing three talents.

They cast enormous swords as well. Each hilt weighed two talents. Each blade weighed thirty minas and was made to fit its hilt. Thirty minas of gold went into each sword. Gilgamesh and Enkidu each carried a load of ten talents.

At Uruk's Seven-Bolt Gate, the craftsmen heard the news and gathered. The people assembled in the streets of the city of broad markets to honor Gilgamesh. The elders of Uruk sat before him.

Gilgamesh said, “Elders of Uruk, listen to me. I am going against fierce Humbaba. When he hears of it, he will say, ‘Let me look at this Gilgamesh whom everyone speaks of, whose fame has filled the countries.’

“I will overwhelm him in the Cedar Forest. I will make the whole land hear how the son of Uruk is like a giant. I am determined to cut down the cedars and win a name that lasts forever.”

The elders of Uruk answered Gilgamesh.

“Gilgamesh, you are young, and your courage carries you too far. You do not fully understand what you are trying to do.

“We have heard of Humbaba. His form is twofold. Who would willingly face his weapons? Who would travel two hours into the depths of his forest?

“Humbaba's roar is a whirlwind. There is flame in his jaws, and his very breath is death. Why do you want to do this? To face Humbaba would be a battle unlike any other.”

Gilgamesh listened to his counselors and considered their advice. He called to his friend:

“My friend, I will tell you what I think. I do fear him. Yet I will go into the depths of the forest.”

The elders blessed him. “May your god protect you and bring you safely home to the walls of Uruk, the city of broad markets.”

Gilgamesh knelt before Shamash and spoke.

“Shamash, I come before you with my hands raised in prayer. Spare my life. Bring me back to the walls of Uruk. Spread your protection over me.”

Tears streamed down Gilgamesh's cheeks.

“I am taking a road I have never traveled, a path I do not know. But if my life is spared, I will return in joy and pay you the honor you are owed.”

They brought the enormous axes and put the bow and quiver into his hands. He took an axe and slung on his quiver. Grasping another axe, he fastened his sword to his shoulder belt.

Before the two companions began their journey, they made offerings to the Sun God, asking him to bring them safely home to Uruk.

The elders said:

“Do not rely on your strength, Gilgamesh. Provide food and keep yourself safe. Let Enkidu go before you. He knows the way and has traveled the road to the forest's entrance. Whoever goes ahead will save his companion. Provide for his journey and keep yourself safe.

“May Shamash fulfill your purpose. May he let your eyes see the words your mouth has foretold. May he find the closed path and level the road beneath your feet. May he level the mountain for your steps. In the night, may Lugalbanda bring you words that will make you rejoice and stand beside you in your undertaking. May your longing be satisfied, like that of a child.

“In Humbaba's river, as you plan, wash your feet. Dig a well beside you. May pure water always be ready for your libation. Pour goblets of water to Shamash. May Lugalbanda remember it.”

Enkidu said to Gilgamesh, “Gilgamesh, are you truly strong enough for this expedition? Do not be afraid. Trust me.”

Gilgamesh said to Enkidu:

“My friend, let us go to the Palace of Splendor, to the glorious queen Ninsun. She is the wisest of women, knowing all things. She will plan a good path for our feet.”

Gilgamesh and Enkidu clasped hands and went to the Palace of Splendor. Gilgamesh entered the presence of the glorious queen Ninsun.

“Ninsun, I want to tell you that I am going on a long journey, to the dwelling of Humbaba. I will face a battle I do not know and follow a road I do not know.

“From the day I leave until the day I return, until I reach the Cedar Forest and overthrow fierce Humbaba, I mean to rid the land of all the evil the Sun God hates.”

Ninsun listened to her son Gilgamesh. She entered her chamber, bathed, and put on her festival clothes. She adorned her breast and crowned her head with a circlet.

She climbed the stairs and went up to the roof. She offered incense and sacrifice to Shamash. Then she raised her hands toward him in prayer.

“Why did you give my son Gilgamesh this restless spirit? Now you have stirred him, and he sets out on a long journey to the place where Humbaba dwells. He goes to face a battle he does not know, to follow a road he does not know.

“From the day he leaves until he returns, until he reaches the Cedar Forest and overthrows fierce Humbaba, he means to destroy all the evil things in the land that you hate.

“May Aya, your wife, remind you that he must be guarded through the night.”

When her prayer was finished, Ninsun put out the incense and came down from the roof. She summoned Enkidu. Though she had not borne him, she received him as her son and placed ritual symbols about his neck. She asked Gilgamesh to show him the kindness owed to a brother.

The elders spoke again.

“Such a man would save you from the pitfalls. King, we have considered your welfare carefully in our council. Now, in return, give equal care to our advice.”

Together they set out on the road to Humbaba.

Tablet Four — The Journey to the Cedar Forest

On the road, the companions encouraged one another. “Stand firm, my friend. Together we will enter the forest without fear.”

Enkidu said to Gilgamesh:

“My friend, let us not go into the depths of the forest. My hands have grown weak, and my arms are paralyzed.”

Gilgamesh answered him.

“Are we to be cowards, my friend? You are skilled in warfare and wise in battle. Have no fear of death.”

“May the paralysis leave your arms and the weakness pass from your hands.

“Be brave. Stand firm. My friend, we will go down together. Do not let the battle weaken your courage. Forget death. Fear nothing.

“A brave man who is watchful and careful protects himself as he leads the way. He will protect his companion too.”

Their courage would win them a name. Together they continued toward the Cedar Forest.

Tablet Five — Dreams and Humbaba

During their journey, Gilgamesh told Enkidu a dream.

“My friend, a mountain fell upon me and caught my feet. The light grew brighter. A man appeared whose beauty surpassed everyone in the land. He drew me out from beneath the mountain and gave me water to drink. My longing was satisfied. He set my feet upon the earth.”

Enkidu spoke to Gilgamesh.

“My friend, let us go on. Put aside your fear.”

After forty leagues they stopped for a little food. After sixty they rested and dug a well facing the sun. Gilgamesh climbed the mountain and poured out an offering of meal.

“Mountain, grant me a dream.”

A cold wind rose and passed over him. He cowered and swayed like grain upon the mountains.

Gilgamesh crouched with his knees bent, resting on his haunches. Sleep came over him as it comes over humankind.

At midnight he woke suddenly and hurried to speak to his companion.

“Did you call me, my friend? Why have I woken? Did you touch me? Why am I afraid? Has a spirit passed me? Why is my body trembling?”

“I have seen another dream, my friend. The dream I have seen was terrifying. Heaven roared, and the earth echoed. The day grew dark. Darkness rose, and lightning flashed. Flames blazed, and death filled the air.

“Then the glare faded. The fires faded. The burning wood fell and turned to ash.

“Come. Let us go down into the wilderness and talk together.”

Enkidu began to explain the dream to Gilgamesh.

Enkidu reassured him that the dream was a good sign.

They stood and gazed at the forest. They looked up at the height of the cedars and studied the path leading among them.

Where Humbaba walked, a trail lay open. His tracks were straight, and the way was clear.

They saw the Cedar Mountain, home of the immortals, the sanctuary of Irnini. The cedar rose proudly against the mountain. Its shade was beautiful, full of delight. Bushes spread beneath it, and the cedar gave out its fragrance.

They confronted Humbaba in the forest. Gilgamesh raised his prayer to Shamash, the Sun God in heaven. He called on the god to remember him and protect him on the road he had taken.

Shamash, the Sun God in heaven, heard Gilgamesh's prayer. Against Humbaba he raised mighty winds: a great wind, a north wind, a south wind, a tempest, a storm wind, a cold wind, a whirlwind, and a wind of every evil.

He raised eight winds. They seized Humbaba from the front and from behind. Humbaba could neither advance nor retreat. Then he surrendered.

Humbaba said to Gilgamesh:

“Gilgamesh, please, stay your hand. Be my master, and I will be your servant. Forget the boastful words I spoke against you. I will keep the forest’s timber for your palace.”

Enkidu said to Gilgamesh:

“You must not accept what Humbaba is offering. Humbaba must not remain alive.”

They cut off Humbaba’s head.

Gilgamesh cut down the cedars, while Enkidu chose the finest timber. From a great cedar Enkidu made a door for Enlil’s temple in Nippur. They bound the logs into a raft to carry the wood down the Euphrates. Gilgamesh went with them, bearing Humbaba’s head.

The companions returned to Uruk.

Tablet Six — Ishtar and the Bull of Heaven

Gilgamesh washed away his stains and cleaned his torn clothing. He arranged his hair to fall over his shoulders, set aside his dirty garments, and put on clean ones.

He wrapped himself in a cloak, fastened his belt, and put on his crown.

The goddess Ishtar saw the beauty of Gilgamesh and said:

“Gilgamesh, come and be my husband. Give me the bounty of your body. You will be my husband, and I will be your wife.

“I will give you a chariot of blue stone and gold, with a golden wheel and a yoke of precious stones. Great mules will be harnessed to it every day. Enter our cedar-scented house.

“When you come into our house, the threshold and the raised platform will kiss your feet. Kings, princes, and rulers will bow before you. They will bring you the produce of mountains and plains as tribute.

“Your goats will give birth abundantly. Your ewes will bear twins. Your young donkey will outpace a mule, even under its load. Your chariot horses will be famous for their speed. No ox under the yoke will rival yours.”

Gilgamesh answered Ishtar.

“If I marry you, what will become of my clothing and my food? Will I have bread fit for a god and drink fit for a king?

“What would I gain by marrying you?

“You are a cold that makes no ice. You are a back door that cannot keep out the wind or the storm. You are a palace that crushes the warriors within it.

“You are pitch that stains the person carrying it. You are a waterskin that leaks over its bearer. You are a stone that shatters a wall, a battering ram that breaks down the enemy’s defenses, a sandal that hurts the foot of the person wearing it.

“Which of your husbands has endured forever? Come. I will recount the story of your lovers.”

“You can confirm the truth of this account.

“Tammuz, the lover of your youth: every year you make him a cause for mourning.

“You loved the brightly feathered roller bird, yet you struck him and broke his wing. Now he stands in the grove crying, ‘Kappi! My wing!’

“You loved the lion in the fullness of his strength, yet you dug seven pits, and seven more, to trap him.

“You loved the stallion, magnificent in battle. You brought him the whip, the spur, and the lash. You made him gallop fifty miles and drink muddy water, and gave his mother Silili cause for bitter mourning.

“You loved the shepherd, the herdsman who never stopped piling bread baked in the embers for you and sacrificing young goats to you each day. Yet you struck him and turned him into a wolf. His own herd boy drove him away, and his dogs tore at his thighs.”

“You also loved Ishullanu, your father’s gardener. He brought you delights without ceasing and filled your plate every day. You had only to look at him to desire him.

“‘My Ishullanu,’ you said, ‘come and let me enjoy your strength. Reach out your hand and touch me.’

“But Ishullanu answered, ‘What are you asking of me? Has my mother not baked for me? Have I not eaten? Why should I eat the bread of insult and wrongdoing? Why should reeds be my covering against the cold?’

“When you heard his answer, you struck him and changed his form. You left him amid his labors, unable to move freely.

“You would love me in my turn, and then treat me like the others.”

When Ishtar heard this, she became furious and went up to heaven. She came before her father Anu and her mother Antu.

“Father, Gilgamesh has heaped insults on me. He has told the story of my sins, my sins and wrongdoing.”

Anu answered Ishtar.

“But you asked him to give you the bounty of his body. That is why he has told the story of your sins, your sins and wrongdoing.”

Ishtar answered her father Anu.

“Father, give me the Bull of Heaven to defeat Gilgamesh. If you refuse, I will break open the underworld and bring up the dead to devour the living. The dead will be more numerous than the living.”

Anu answered her.

“If I give you the Bull of Heaven you ask for, its attack will bring seven years of famine. Have you stored grain for the people and fodder for the cattle?”

Ishtar answered her father.

“I have stored grain for the people and grown fodder for the cattle. There will be supplies for all seven years.”

Anu gave Ishtar the Bull of Heaven, and she led it down to Uruk. The woodland and reeds withered before it, and the river’s waters fell.

The bull snorted, and a pit opened in the ground. A hundred men fell into it. At its second snort another pit opened, and two hundred men fell in. At its third snort, Enkidu was caught in a pit up to his waist.

Enkidu sprang out and seized the Bull of Heaven by its horns. The bull spat saliva into his face and spattered him with dung from its tail.

Enkidu circled behind the Bull of Heaven and seized the tuft of its tail. He set his foot against its leg and held it for Gilgamesh.

Gilgamesh drove his blade into the bull’s neck, behind its horns. Together they killed the Bull of Heaven.

When they had killed the Bull of Heaven, they removed its heart and offered it in sacrifice to Shamash. After they had poured out their drink offering, the two brothers sat down.

Ishtar climbed to the top of the walls of high-walled Uruk. From the rooftop she cried out in grief:

“Woe to Gilgamesh! He has killed the Bull of Heaven and made me mourn.”

When Enkidu heard Ishtar's cries, he tore a haunch from the bull and threw it before her.

“If only I could reach you, I would do the same to you. I would hang its entrails over your arms.”

Ishtar gathered the women devoted to her, the courtesans and prostitutes. Over the haunch torn from the bull, she led their mourning.

Gilgamesh summoned all the master craftsmen and artists, so that their guilds could admire the size of the bull’s horns. Each horn had a setting of blue stone weighing thirty minas. Its rim weighed two minas.

The two horns held six measures of oil. Gilgamesh dedicated them to his god Lugalbanda as containers for sacred oil, and brought them into his own chamber.

They washed their hands in the Euphrates and walked through the city. As they strode along the main street of Uruk, the people crowded around to see them.

Gilgamesh posed a riddle:

“Who is the most splendid of heroes? Who is the most famous among men?”

The answer came:

“Gilgamesh is the most splendid of heroes. Gilgamesh is the most famous among men.”

Gilgamesh held a great celebration in his palace. Afterward, while the warriors slept upon their beds, Enkidu slept too and saw a vision.

He came to reveal his dream to his companion and began to speak.

Tablet Seven — Enkidu’s Dream and the Sentence

“Why, my friend, are the great gods taking counsel together?”

Enkidu continued.

“Gilgamesh, listen to the dream I had last night. Anu, Enlil, Ea, and Shamash were gathered in council.

“Anu said that because we had killed the Bull of Heaven and Humbaba, one of us must die.

“Enlil said, ‘Enkidu shall die, but Gilgamesh shall not die.’”

“Shamash spoke in our defense. ‘Must Enkidu now die?’

“But Enlil turned angrily to Shamash. ‘Every day you went with them as though you were one of their companions.’”

Enkidu lay down before Gilgamesh.

“My brother, my dream has great weight.”

Enkidu raised his eyes and spoke to the cedar door as though it could hear him.

“Door of the forest, you have no understanding. For forty leagues I admired your wonderful timber, until I found the towering cedar. There was no wood like yours in the land.

“You are six gar high and two gar wide. I shaped you and raised you up in Nippur.

“If I had known that this would be my reward, I would have lifted an axe against you.”

At dawn Enkidu lifted his head toward Shamash and cursed the trapper who had brought the courtesan to him.

“Destroy his income. Weaken his strength. Let the work of his hands bring him no profit.”

Then he turned his curse upon the courtesan.

“Courtesan, I will decree your fate. Your troubles will never end, for all eternity. I will curse you with a bitter curse. May it bring desolation upon you. May your desire never be satisfied.”

“May the street be your home and the shadow of the city wall your shelter. May thorns tear your feet, and may you find no rest.”

“I was pure in the wilderness, and you made me weak.”

Shamash heard him and called down from heaven.

“Enkidu, why do you curse the courtesan? She gave you bread fit for a god to eat. She gave you beer fit for a king to drink. She clothed you in a generous cloak and gave you splendid Gilgamesh as your companion.

“Now Gilgamesh, your friend and brother, will lay you upon a great bed. He will give you rest upon a beautiful couch and a comfortable seat at his left hand. The princes of the earth will kiss your feet in homage.

“He will make all the people of Uruk mourn for you. For your sake he will let his hair grow tangled in mourning, put on a lion’s skin, and wander through the wilderness.”

Enkidu listened to the words of mighty Shamash, and his anger subsided.

Then Enkidu blessed the woman he had cursed.

“May kings, princes, and leaders fall in love with you. May a man far away strike his thigh with longing, and another toss his hair for your sake. Let the warrior who would embrace you loosen his belt. May he give you blue stone and gold, and earrings in abundance.

“May Ishtar bring you into the house of a prosperous man whose stores are full. May he leave even his first wife, the mother of seven, for your sake.”

Enkidu lay alone in distress. He told his companion another dream.

“My friend, I had a dream in the night. Heaven roared, and the earth echoed. I stood between them. Then I saw a man with a grim face like a great bird. His hands were a lion’s paws, and his nails were an eagle’s claws.

“He seized my hair and overpowered me. I struck him, but he sprang back. He struck me and overturned me like a raft. Like a wild bull he trampled me, covering my body with poisonous saliva.”

“He made me like a bird, with my arms bound like wings. He seized me and led me to the House of Darkness, the dwelling of Irkalla. He led me to the house from which no one who enters ever returns, along the road from which there is no coming back.

“There the inhabitants are deprived of daylight. Dust is their food, and mud their nourishment. Like birds, they wear garments of feathers. They sit in darkness and never see the light.

“Dust lay thick upon the door. When I entered the House of Dust, I saw crowns put aside. Those who had worn crowns and ruled the land in former times sat there, those who had served the food of Anu and Enlil and poured cool water from waterskins.

“When I entered this House of Dust, high priests and their assistants sat there, with the priests who purified and served the great gods. Etana sat there, and Sumuqan.

“There too was Ereshkigal, queen of the underworld. Before her bowed Belit-seri, the underworld’s scribe, reading aloud. She lifted her head and saw me.

“‘Who brought this man here?’”

After the dream, Enkidu’s strength failed. He lay upon his bed for one day, then a second. A third and a fourth day passed, a fifth, sixth, and seventh, an eighth, ninth, and tenth. His sickness grew worse. An eleventh day passed, then a twelfth. Still Enkidu lay upon his bed.

He called to Gilgamesh.

“My friend, my god has turned away from me. I do not die like a man who falls in battle. A man who falls in battle makes his name. I do not fall in battle. I shall make no name.”

Tablet Eight — Gilgamesh’s Mourning

At dawn Gilgamesh mourned his friend.

“We climbed the mountains and reached the Cedar Forest, traveling night and day. Let the mountains and the forest mourn you, Enkidu.”

“Listen to me, elders. Listen to what I say. I weep for my companion Enkidu. I cry bitterly, like a woman in mourning.

“You were the axe at my side, the sword at my belt, the shield before me. You were my festival clothes, the joy of my adornment. A cruel wind has risen against me and robbed me.

“My companion, swift as a mule, a wild donkey of the hills, a leopard of the wilderness. My companion, swift as a mule, a wild donkey of the hills, a leopard of the wilderness.

“Enkidu, we overcame every danger. We climbed the mountains, captured the Bull of Heaven, and destroyed it. We overthrew Humbaba, who lived in the Cedar Forest.

“What is this sleep that has come over you? You are lost in darkness now. You cannot hear me.”

Enkidu did not open his eyes. Gilgamesh felt his heart. It no longer beat.

Then he covered his friend’s face as one would veil a bride. He circled around him like an eagle. Like a lioness robbed of her cubs, he paced back and forth before his companion.

He tore out his curls and cast them away. He tore off his fine clothes and threw them aside.

“I, Gilgamesh, your friend and brother, will lay you upon a great bed. I will give you rest upon a beautiful couch and a great seat at my left hand. The princes of the earth will kiss your feet in homage.

“I will make all the people of Uruk mourn for you. For your sake I will let my hair grow tangled in mourning, put on a lion’s skin, and wander through the wilderness.”

At dawn Gilgamesh summoned the metalworkers, goldsmiths, and workers in precious stone.

“Make an image of my friend.”

They made a statue of Enkidu, with blue stone for its brows and gold for its chest.

Gilgamesh opened his treasury and brought out precious gifts for his friend. He displayed the offerings before Shamash and asked the gods of the underworld to receive Enkidu kindly.

Among the gifts was a dagger for Bibbu, the underworld’s butcher.

“May he receive this gift and welcome my friend. May he stand beside him.”

At dawn Gilgamesh brought out a great wooden table. He filled a bowl of carnelian with honey and a bowl of blue stone with clarified butter. He arranged the offerings and presented them to Shamash.

Tablet Nine — The Road of the Sun

Gilgamesh wandered through the wilderness, weeping bitterly for his companion Enkidu.

“Will I not die as Enkidu died? Grief has entered my heart. I fear death as I wander through the wilderness.

“I will take the road to Utnapishtim, the son of Ubara-Tutu. I will travel quickly. If I reach the mountain gates in darkness and meet lions, terror will come upon me. Then I will lift my head to heaven and pray to the Moon God. Let my prayer reach the gods: ‘Deliver me!’”

Gilgamesh sought Utnapishtim because the gods had granted him the life that other mortals could not keep.

On the road, he encountered lions. He raised his axe in his hand and drew the sword from his belt. Like a spear he leaped among them, striking and crushing.

The mountains were called Mashu. Gilgamesh reached the Mountains of Mashu, where watch is kept each day over the rising and setting of the Sun God.

Their peaks rose to the height of heaven, and their lower slopes reached deep into the underworld. At their gates stood scorpion beings. Terrible to behold, with death in their very glance, their splendor shook the mountains. They guarded Shamash at his rising and setting.

When Gilgamesh saw them, he turned pale with fear and alarm. Overcome, he fell senseless before them.

The scorpion-man said to his wife, “The one approaching us has the flesh of the gods.”

His wife answered, “Two parts of him are divine, and only one part is human.”

Gilgamesh told the scorpion-man that he had come to find Utnapishtim and learn from him about life and death.

The guardian warned him of the deep darkness within the mountains. No one had yet made that journey.

Gilgamesh remained determined.

“I will go on, even if it means pain, even if cold and heat weather my face, and even if I travel in grief.”

The scorpion-man allowed him through the gate. Gilgamesh set out at the guardian's word and took the Road of the Sun.

He traveled the first stage. The darkness was thick; it did not grow light.

He traveled the second stage. The darkness was thick; it did not grow light.

He went on through the darkness until he came out beyond the mountains. There he saw a wonderful tree, and ran toward it.

It bore fruit of ruby, with tendrils hanging around it. It was beautiful to look upon, with azure foliage and fruit that delighted the eye.

Shamash was moved. He called to Gilgamesh and said:

“Gilgamesh, why do you hurry? You will not find the life you seek.”

Gilgamesh answered mighty Shamash.

“After I have wandered back and forth through the wilderness, must I lay my head in the depths of the earth and sleep through the years forever?

“Let my eyes look upon the sun and drink their fill of brightness. When the light spreads wide, darkness is driven away.

“When will a dead man ever see the sunlight again?”

Tablet Ten — Siduri and the Crossing

Siduri, the winemaker, lived by the sea. She wore a veil.

Gilgamesh wandered toward her, dressed in animal skins. His body had the flesh of the gods, but anguish filled him. His face was like that of a man worn out by a long journey.

The winemaker saw him in the distance and feared that he had come to do harm.

As soon as she saw him, she barred her back door, her inner door, and the door to her room. Gilgamesh heard her shutting them. He raised his head and turned his attention toward her.

“Winemaker, what did you see that made you bar your back door, your inner door, and the door to your room? I will strike your gate and break its bolt!”

The winemaker answered Gilgamesh.

“Why has your strength wasted away? Why is your face so drawn? Why is your spirit troubled, and why has your happiness ended?

“There is anguish within you. Your face is like that of a man worn out by a long journey. Heat and cold have weathered it. Why do you wander through the wilderness?”

Gilgamesh answered the winemaker.

“Winemaker, how could my strength not waste away, my face not grow drawn, my spirit not be troubled, and my happiness not end? How could anguish not fill me, or my face not be worn by a long journey? How could heat and cold not weather it as I wander through the wilderness?

“My companion was like a swift mule, a mountain donkey, a leopard of the wilderness. My companion was like a swift mule, a mountain donkey, a leopard of the wilderness.

“Enkidu and I overcame every danger. We climbed the mountains, captured the Bull of Heaven, and destroyed it. We overthrew Humbaba, who lived in the Cedar Forest. We killed the lions at the mountain gates.

“Enkidu was my companion. He endured every hardship with me. Together we killed the lions and endured every hardship. But his fate has overtaken him.

“I mourned him for six days and seven nights before I could give him over to burial. Then I became afraid. I feared death, and so I wander through the wilderness. My companion's fate weighs heavily upon me. It is a long road I wander through the wilderness.

“Enkidu, my companion: his fate weighs heavily upon me. It is a long road I wander through the wilderness.

“How can I be silent? How can I speak? The companion I loved has become like dust. Enkidu, my companion, the one I loved, has become like dust.

“Will I not lie down as he did, never to return for all eternity?”

The winemaker answered Gilgamesh.

“Gilgamesh, why do you hurry? You cannot find the life you seek. When the gods first created mortals, they allotted death to humankind and kept life in their own hands.

“Gilgamesh, let your belly be full. Be joyful by day and by night. Make each day a celebration. Dance and rejoice, day and night.

“Wear fresh clothes. Wash your head and bathe in water. Cherish the little one who holds your hand. Let your wife be happy in your embrace.

“This is the portion given to humankind.”

Gilgamesh continued speaking to the winemaker.

“Please, winemaker, which road leads to Utnapishtim? What signs mark the way? Tell me. Show me the signs.

“If it is possible, I will cross the ocean itself. If it is not, I will wander through the wilderness.”

The winemaker answered him.

“There has never been a crossing, Gilgamesh. No one who has come this far has ever crossed the ocean. Mighty Shamash crosses it, but who besides Shamash can do so?

“The crossing is dangerous and the passage difficult. The deep Waters of Death block the approach. Even if you manage to cross the ocean, Gilgamesh, what will you do when you reach the Waters of Death?

“There is Urshanabi, the boatman of Utnapishtim. The Stone Ones are with him, and he needs them for the crossing. He cuts a cedar in the forest. Go and let him see you. If it is possible, cross with him. If not, turn back and go home.”

When Gilgamesh heard this, he took his axe in his hand and drew his sword from its belt.

Gilgamesh went toward Urshanabi. He struck and smashed the Stone Ones.

Urshanabi spoke to Gilgamesh.

“Tell me your name. I am Urshanabi, servant of Utnapishtim the Distant.”

Gilgamesh answered, “My name is Gilgamesh. I have come from Uruk, from Eanna. I have crossed the mountains and made the weary journey of the sunrise. Now that I see your face, Urshanabi, let me also see Utnapishtim, the Distant One.”

Urshanabi spoke to Gilgamesh.

“Why has your strength wasted away? Why is your face so drawn? Why is your spirit troubled, and why has your happiness ended?

“There is anguish within you. Your face is like that of a man worn out by a long journey. Heat and cold have weathered it. Why do you wander through the wilderness?”

Gilgamesh answered Urshanabi.

“Urshanabi, how could my strength not waste away, my face not grow drawn, my spirit not be troubled, and my happiness not end? How could anguish not fill me, or my face not be worn by a long journey? How could heat and cold not weather it as I wander through the wilderness?

“My companion was like a swift mule, a mountain donkey, a leopard of the wilderness. My companion was like a swift mule, a mountain donkey, a leopard of the wilderness.

“Enkidu and I overcame every danger. We climbed the mountains, captured the Bull of Heaven, and destroyed it. We overthrew Humbaba, who lived in the Cedar Forest. We killed the lions at the mountain gates.

“Enkidu was my companion. He endured every hardship with me. Together we killed the lions and endured every hardship. But his fate has overtaken him.

“I mourned him for six days and seven nights before I could give him over to burial. Then I became afraid. I feared death, and so I wander through the wilderness. My companion's fate weighs heavily upon me. It is a long road I wander through the wilderness.

“Enkidu, my companion: his fate weighs heavily upon me. It is a long road I wander through the wilderness.

“How can I be silent? How can I speak? The companion I loved has become like dust. Enkidu, my companion, the one I loved, has become like dust.

“Will I not lie down as he did, never to return for all eternity?”

Gilgamesh continued speaking to Urshanabi.

“Please, Urshanabi, which road leads to Utnapishtim? What signs mark the way? Tell me. Show me the signs.

“If it is possible, I will cross the ocean itself. If it is not, I will wander through the wilderness.”

Urshanabi answered him.

“Gilgamesh, your own hands have prevented your crossing. You have destroyed the Stone Ones. Now the Stone Ones are destroyed, and we must find another way.

“Take your axe and go into the forest. Make a hundred and twenty poles, each five gar long. Make knobs of bitumen and add sockets to them. Bring them to me.”

Gilgamesh took his axe, drew his sword, and went into the forest. He made a hundred and twenty poles, each five gar long, with knobs of bitumen and sockets. He brought them to Urshanabi.

Gilgamesh and Urshanabi launched their boat upon the waves and went aboard. In three days they covered a journey of a month and a half. Then Urshanabi reached the Waters of Death.

Urshanabi said to Gilgamesh:

“Take the first pole and push. Do not let the Waters of Death touch your hand.

“Gilgamesh, take a second pole, a third, and a fourth, and push. Gilgamesh, take a fifth, a sixth, and a seventh. Gilgamesh, take an eighth, a ninth, and a tenth. Gilgamesh, take an eleventh pole, and a twelfth!”

When the poles were exhausted, Gilgamesh stopped poling. Urshanabi loosened his clothing. Gilgamesh took off his garment and raised his arms, spreading the cloth above him as a sail.

Utnapishtim looked into the distance. He saw the boat approaching and wondered why the Stone Ones were destroyed and who had come with the boatman.

When they reached him, Utnapishtim spoke to Gilgamesh.

“Why has your strength wasted away? Why is your face so drawn? Why is your spirit troubled, and why has your happiness ended?

“There is anguish within you. Your face is like that of a man worn out by a long journey. Heat and cold have weathered it. Why do you wander through the wilderness?”

Gilgamesh answered Utnapishtim.

“Utnapishtim, how could my strength not waste away, my face not grow drawn, my spirit not be troubled, and my happiness not end? How could anguish not fill me, or my face not be worn by a long journey? How could heat and cold not weather it as I wander through the wilderness?

“My companion was like a swift mule, a mountain donkey, a leopard of the wilderness. My companion was like a swift mule, a mountain donkey, a leopard of the wilderness.

“Enkidu and I overcame every danger. We climbed the mountains, captured the Bull of Heaven, and destroyed it. We overthrew Humbaba, who lived in the Cedar Forest. We killed the lions at the mountain gates.

“Enkidu was my companion. He endured every hardship with me. Together we killed the lions and endured every hardship. But his fate has overtaken him.

“I mourned him for six days and seven nights before I could give him over to burial. Then I became afraid. I feared death, and so I wander through the wilderness. My companion's fate weighs heavily upon me. It is a long road I wander through the wilderness.

“Enkidu, my companion: his fate weighs heavily upon me. It is a long road I wander through the wilderness.

“How can I be silent? How can I speak? The companion I loved has become like dust. Enkidu, my companion, the one I loved, has become like dust.

“Will I not lie down as he did, never to return for all eternity?”

Gilgamesh continued speaking to Utnapishtim.

“Then I thought, ‘I will go and hear what Utnapishtim the Distant has to say about this.’ So I traveled through all the countries, crossed difficult mountains, and passed over every sea.

“I have never had my fill of gentle sleep. Hardship has exhausted me, and sorrow has burdened my body. Before I reached the winemaker's house, my clothes were worn out.

“I have eaten the flesh of owls, bats, lions, leopards, wildcats, deer, and ibex, and dressed myself in animal skins.”

Utnapishtim answered Gilgamesh.

“Do we build houses forever? Do we seal agreements forever? Do brothers share their possessions forever? Does hatred between enemies last forever?

“Will a swollen river always flow in flood? A mayfly floats upon its water. It turns toward the sun, and a moment later is gone.

“The sleeping and the dead are alike. Death makes no distinction between servant and master when they have reached their allotted span.

“The Anunnaki, the great gods, together with Mammetum, the maker of destiny, determine fate. They decide life and death. But the day of death is not revealed.”

Tablet Eleven — The Flood and the Return to Uruk

Gilgamesh spoke to Utnapishtim the Distant.

“Utnapishtim, I look at you, but there is nothing strange about your appearance. You are like me. You are no different from me. You are like me, with a spirit ready for battle, yet you lie on your back at rest.

“Tell me: how did you stand in the assembly of the gods and ask for everlasting life?”

Utnapishtim answered Gilgamesh.

“Gilgamesh, I will reveal the hidden story to you. I will tell you the counsel of the gods.

“You know the city of Shuruppak. It stands on the bank of the Euphrates. It is an ancient city, and the gods were within it. The great gods decided to bring a flood.

“There was Anu, their father; mighty Enlil, their counselor; Ninurta, their herald; and Ennugi, their leader. Ea, also called Nin-igi-azag, was part of their plan, but he revealed their decision to a reed hut.

“‘Reed hut, reed hut! Wall, wall! Listen, reed hut. Pay attention, wall!

“‘Mortal of Shuruppak, son of Ubara-Tutu, tear down your house and build a boat from it. Abandon your possessions and seek life. Set aside your wealth and save life. Bring every living creature aboard the boat.

“‘Give the boat proper dimensions. Let its width and length correspond. Then launch it upon the deep.’

“I understood and answered my lord Ea.

“‘Lord, I honor your command and will obey. But what am I to tell the city, the people, and the elders?’

“Ea answered me, his servant.

“‘Tell them this: Enlil hates me alone. I can no longer live in your city or turn my face toward Enlil's land. I will go down to the deep and dwell with Ea, my lord. Then he will shower abundance upon you: great numbers of birds, plentiful fish, a great harvest, and abundant rain.’

“When the first light of morning appeared, the work began.

“The children brought pitch, and the strong brought everything else that was needed.

“On the fifth day I laid out the shape of my boat. Its sides were ten gar high, and its deck was ten gar across. I planned and built the forward part. I braced the boat across six times and divided it into seven parts. Its interior I divided into nine.

“I hammered the caulking into place, found a pole to propel the boat, and added everything needed. I coated the hull with six shar of bitumen and the inside with three shar of pitch.

“People brought me three shar of grease. I set aside one shar for use on the equipment, and the boatman stowed the other two.

“I slaughtered cattle. Each day I slaughtered lambs. The workers drank mead, beer, oil, and wine as though they were water. They feasted as at the New Year.

“At last the vessel was finished.

“All I possessed, I loaded aboard. All my silver, I loaded aboard. All my gold, I loaded aboard. All I possessed of the seed of every living thing, I loaded aboard.

“I brought all my family and relatives aboard with me, along with cattle, wild animals, and craftsmen of every kind.

“Then Shamash appointed the hour: ‘In the night, abundant rain will fall. Enter the boat and close the hatch.’

“The appointed hour came. In the night, abundant rain fell. I looked at the face of the day. It was terrible to behold.

“I entered the boat and closed the hatch. To Puzur-Amurri, the boatman who was to close up the vessel, I entrusted the stern of the boat and its equipment.

“At the first light of dawn, a dark cloud rose from the horizon. Adad, the storm god, thundered within it. Nabu and Sharru went ahead as heralds across the hills and plains.

“Then Irragal tore out the mooring posts. Ninurta came, unleashing destruction. The Anunnaki brandished their torches and scorched the land with flame.

“Adad's devastation reached to heaven. Everything that had been bright turned to darkness.

“For one day the storm blew fiercely. Like an assault in battle, it rushed upon the people.

“No brother could recognize his brother. From heaven, no mortal could be seen.

“The gods themselves were terrified by the Flood. They fled up to Anu's heaven and crouched at its edges, cowering like dogs.

“Ishtar cried out like a woman in labor. The sweet-voiced lady of the gods shrieked:

“‘May that day turn to dust, because I spoke evil in the assembly of the gods! How could I have spoken such evil there, ordering destruction and wiping out my people?

“‘Did I give birth to my own people only to fill the sea with their bodies, like the spawn of fish?’

“The Anunnaki wept with her. The gods sat humbled and weeping, their lips closed in the assembly.

“For six days and nights, hurricane, flood, and tempest swept the land. When the seventh day came, the battle ended. The storm and flood, which had fought like an army, grew quiet.

“The sea became calm. The gale was spent. The Flood subsided.

“I looked out upon the day. Every sound was still. All humankind had returned to clay. The marsh lay level with the rooftops.

“I opened a hatch, and sunlight fell upon my cheek. I bowed down and sat weeping. Tears ran over my face.

“I looked into the distance, to the farthest limits of the ocean. Land rose at twelve points. The boat came to rest on Mount Nisir. Mount Nisir held it fast and would not let it move.

“For one day, then two, Mount Nisir held it fast and would not let it move. For three days, then four, it held it fast and would not let it move. For five days, then six, it held it fast and would not let it move.

“When the seventh day dawned, I brought out a dove and released it. The dove flew back and forth, then returned. It had found nowhere to rest.

“I brought out a swallow and released it. The swallow flew back and forth and returned as well. It had found nowhere to rest.

“Then I brought out a raven and released it. The raven went out and saw the waters receding. It ate, waded, and splashed, and did not return to me.

“I released all the animals to the four winds of heaven. I made a sacrifice and poured a drink offering upon the mountain peak. I set out seven vessels, and seven more, and piled sweet cane, cedar, and myrtle beneath them.

“The gods smelled the fragrance. The gods smelled the sweet fragrance. They gathered like flies around the one making the offering.

“When the queen of the gods arrived, she raised the magnificent jewels Anu had made to please her.

“‘Gods, I would sooner forget this sapphire necklace than forget these days. I will remember them always.

“‘Let the other gods come to the offering, but Enlil alone must stay away. Without thought he brought the Flood and condemned my people to destruction.’

“When Enlil arrived and saw the boat, he became furious. He raged against the gods, the Igigi.

“‘Has any mortal escaped? No human being should have survived this destruction!’

“Ninurta answered mighty Enlil.

“‘Who but Ea could have devised such a plan? Ea knows every design.’

“Then Ea answered mighty Enlil.

“‘Leader of the gods, warrior, how could you bring a flood without taking counsel?

“‘Lay the sinner's sin upon the sinner. Lay the guilty person's guilt upon the guilty. But show mercy, so that a person is not cut off. Be compassionate, so that a person does not perish.

“‘Instead of bringing a flood, let a lion come to reduce humankind. Instead of bringing a flood, let a jackal come to reduce humankind. Instead of bringing a flood, let famine consume the land. Instead of bringing a flood, let the Plague God overwhelm the people.

“‘It was not I who revealed the secret of the great gods. I gave a dream to the one abounding in wisdom, and through that dream he heard the gods' secret. Now consider his counsel.’

“Enlil came up to the boat. He took my hand and raised me. He raised my wife as well and made her kneel beside me. Standing between us, he touched our foreheads and blessed us.

“‘Until now Utnapishtim has been mortal. From now on, Utnapishtim and his wife shall be like us gods. Utnapishtim shall live far away, at the mouth of the rivers.’

“They took me away and made me live far off, at the mouth of the rivers.

“But you, Gilgamesh: who will assemble the gods for your sake, so that you may find the life you seek?

“Come. Stay awake for six days and seven nights.”

As Gilgamesh sat crouching, sleep breathed over him like a breeze.

Utnapishtim said to his wife, “Look at him. This is the strong man who asks for life. Yet sleep has breathed over him like a breeze.”

His wife answered Utnapishtim the Distant.

“Touch him and let him wake. Let him return in peace along the road he traveled. Let him pass through the gate from which he came and go home to his land.”

Utnapishtim said to her, “A mortal may try to deceive you. Bake a loaf for him each day and place it by his head. Mark upon the wall each day he sleeps.”

She baked him a loaf each day and set it by his head. She marked each day upon the wall.

The first loaf had dried hard. The second had become like leather. The third was damp. The fourth had whitened. The fifth was spotted with mold. The sixth was fresh. The seventh loaf remained on the embers. Then Utnapishtim touched him, and the strong man woke from sleep.

Gilgamesh spoke to Utnapishtim the Distant.

“Tell me, was it you who touched me just as sleep fell over me and immediately woke me?”

Utnapishtim answered Gilgamesh.

“Count the loaves beside you, Gilgamesh, and see how long you slept.

“The first loaf had dried hard. The second had become like leather. The third was damp. The fourth had whitened. The fifth was spotted with mold. The sixth was fresh. The seventh loaf remained on the embers. Then I touched you, and you woke.”

Gilgamesh answered Utnapishtim the Distant.

“What should I do? Where should I go, Utnapishtim? The robber has laid hold of my body. Death waits in my bedchamber. Wherever I turn, there is death.”

Utnapishtim spoke to the boatman Urshanabi.

“Urshanabi, the landing will receive you no more, and the ferry will no longer serve you. Leave this shore.

“This man whom you guided: must stains cover his body? Must an animal skin hide the beauty of his limbs?

“Take him to a bathing place, Urshanabi. Let him wash away his stains in the water, clean as snow. Let him cast off his animal skins, and let the sea carry them away. Let the beauty of his body be seen. Renew the band around his head.

“Clothe him in a cloak that will cover his nakedness. Until he reaches his city and finishes his journey, let the cloak show no sign of age, but keep its freshness.”

Urshanabi took him to a bathing place. He washed away his stains in the water, clean as snow. He cast off his animal skins, and the sea carried them away. His body appeared beautiful.

He renewed his headband and put on a cloak to cover his nakedness. Until he reached his city and finished his journey, the cloak would show no sign of age, but keep its freshness.

Gilgamesh and Urshanabi went aboard their boat and prepared to leave.

Utnapishtim's wife said to him:

“Gilgamesh came here worn out by rowing. What will you give him to take back to his land?”

Gilgamesh lifted his pole and drew the boat back toward the shore.

Utnapishtim called to him.

“Gilgamesh, you came here worn out by rowing. What shall I give you to take home?

“I will reveal a hidden matter to you. There is a thorn-like plant whose root lies deep in the ocean. Its thorns will scratch you like those of a briar. This plant can restore youth.”

When Gilgamesh heard this, he loosened his belt. He tied heavy stones to his feet, and they pulled him down into the depths of the sea.

He found the plant. As he seized it, its thorns scratched him. He cut the heavy stones from his feet so that he could return to the shore.

Gilgamesh said to the boatman Urshanabi:

“This is a plant of great wonder, Urshanabi. Through it, a man can attain his desire. I will take it to high-walled Uruk and let an old man eat it to test its power.

“Its name is ‘The Old Man Becomes Young Again.’ I too will eat it and return to the strength of my youth.”

At the fortieth hour they stopped to eat. At the sixtieth they rested.

Gilgamesh saw a pool of cool water and went down into it to bathe. A serpent caught the scent of the plant. It snatched the plant and slipped away, shedding its skin.

Gilgamesh sat down and began to weep. Tears flowed over his cheeks. He said to the boatman Urshanabi:

“For whom have my arms labored, Urshanabi? For whom have I spent my heart's blood? Not for myself. I have gained the reward only for the serpent.

“If only I had turned back and left the boat at the ocean's edge!”

At the fortieth hour they stopped to eat. At the sixtieth they rested. At last they reached the heart of high-walled Uruk.

Gilgamesh said to the boatman Urshanabi:

“Go up, Urshanabi. Walk upon the walls of Uruk. Look at their foundations. Examine the bricks. Are they not fired in a kiln? Did the Seven Sages not lay the foundations?

“One shar is the city, one shar the gardens, one shar the clay pits, and half a shar the temple of Ishtar. Three and a half shar encompass Uruk.”

Tablet Twelve — Appendix: Enkidu and the World of the Dead

In another tale of Uruk, Gilgamesh had two wooden playthings that he had fashioned from a tree. His endless game burdened the people, and their outcry sent both objects down into the underworld.

Unable to reach them, Gilgamesh sat at the underworld's gate and wept.

“My playthings are gone. Who will bring them back to me?”

“My king,” Enkidu said, “I will go down and retrieve them.”

Gilgamesh said, “Then listen to my advice.”

“When you go down to the underworld, do not put on clean clothing.

“Do not anoint yourself with sweet oil from a jar, or they will gather around you at its scent. Do not set a bow upon the ground, or those shot by a bow will surround you. Do not carry a stick in your hand, or the spirits of those struck by it will cry out against you.

“Do not put shoes on your feet or make a loud sound upon the ground. Do not kiss the wife you love or punish the wife you hate. Do not kiss the child you love or punish the child you hate.

“For the mourning of the underworld will hold you captive.

“She lies below.

“She lies below.

“Ereshkigal, queen of the underworld and mother of Ninazu, lies below.

“She lies below.

“No cloak covers her beautiful shoulders, and no cloth covers her breast.”

Enkidu went down, but did not heed Gilgamesh's advice. He put on clean clothing.

He anointed himself with sweet oil from a jar. At its scent they gathered around him. He set his bow upon the ground, and spirits surrounded him. Those shot by a bow cried out against him. He carried a stick in his hand, and the spirits of those struck by it cried out against him.

He put shoes on his feet and made a loud sound upon the ground. He kissed the wife he loved and punished the wife he hated. He kissed the child he loved and punished the child he hated.

The mourning of the underworld held him captive.

“She lies below.

“She lies below.

“Ereshkigal, queen of the underworld and mother of Ninazu, lies below.

“She lies below.

“No cloak covers her beautiful shoulders, and no cloth covers her breast.”

Gilgamesh cried out for Enkidu to rise from the underworld.

“It was not Namtar, the Plague God, who seized him. It was not fever, but the earth. It was not the Crouching One, merciless Nergal, who seized him, but the earth. He did not fall in a battle among mortals. It was the earth alone that seized him.”

The son of Ninsun mourned for Enkidu, his servant. Alone he went to Ekur, the temple of Enlil.

“Enlil, my father, my playthings fell below. Enkidu went after them, and the underworld holds him.

“Enkidu is the one I ask you to raise from the earth. It was not Namtar, the Plague God, who seized him. It was not fever, but the earth. It was not the Crouching One, merciless Nergal, who seized him, but the earth. He did not fall in a battle among mortals. It was the earth alone that seized him.”

But Father Enlil gave no answer.

He went to the Moon God.

“Moon God, my father, my playthings fell below. Enkidu went after them, and the underworld holds him.

“Enkidu is the one I ask you to raise from the earth. It was not Namtar, the Plague God, who seized him. It was not fever, but the earth. It was not the Crouching One, merciless Nergal, who seized him, but the earth. He did not fall in a battle among mortals. It was the earth alone that seized him.”

But the Moon God gave no answer.

Then he went to Ea.

“Ea, my father, my playthings fell below. Enkidu went after them, and the underworld holds him.

“Enkidu is the one I ask you to raise from the earth. It was not Namtar, the Plague God, who seized him. It was not fever, but the earth. It was not the Crouching One, merciless Nergal, who seized him, but the earth. He did not fall in a battle among mortals. It was the earth alone that seized him.”

Father Ea listened and spoke to Nergal, the warrior.

“Nergal, warrior, listen to me. Open a hole in the earth so that Enkidu's spirit may rise and speak with his brother.”

Nergal listened to Ea. He opened a hole in the earth, and Enkidu's spirit came out like a wind. They embraced and spoke together, mourning.

Gilgamesh asked, “Tell me, my friend. Tell me, my friend, please. What have you seen of the laws of the underworld?”

Enkidu answered, “No, my companion. I will not tell you. I will not tell you. If I told you what I have seen of the laws of the underworld, you would sit down and weep.”

Gilgamesh said, “Then let me sit down and weep.”

Enkidu answered:

“The body that once brought you joy is infested with worms, like an old garment, and filled with dust.”

Gilgamesh sat down in the dust and wept.

Enkidu spoke of a man who rested upon a couch and drank clear water.

“Did you see the warrior killed in battle?”

“Yes, I saw him. His father and mother raise his head. His wife mourns bitterly over him.”

“Did you see the man whose body lies in the wilderness?”

“Yes, I saw him. His spirit does not rest in the earth.”

“Did you see the spirit who has no one to care for him?”

“Yes, I saw him. He eats the dregs from cups and scraps of bread thrown into the street.”