The Epic of Gilgamish

R. Campbell Thompson

R. Campbell Thompson (1876-1941) was a British archaeologist, Assyriologist, and expert in ancient Mesopotamian languages. He made significant contributions to the field of Assyriology and was involved in the translation and interpretation of cuneiform texts. In "The Epic of Gilgamesh," Thompson provides a translation and commentary on the ancient epic. The poem revolves around the adventures and exploits of Gilgamesh, a legendary king of Uruk. It explores themes such as heroism, friendship, mortality, and the search for meaning. The epic is divided into several tablets, and each tablet tells a different part of Gilgamesh's story. It includes encounters with mythical creatures, a quest for immortality, and a profound friendship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu. Thompson's work on "The Epic of Gilgamesh" contributed to making this ancient Mesopotamian masterpiece more accessible to a wider audience. His translation and commentary helped shed light on the narrative, symbolism, and cultural context of the epic.

Table of contents

• Preface
• The First Tablet: Of The Tyranny Of Gilgamish, And The Creation Of Enkidu
• The Second Tablet: Of The Meeting Of Gilgamish And Enkidu
• The Third Tablet: The Expedition To The Forest Of Cedars Against Humbaba
• The Fourth Tablet: The Arrival At The Gate Of The Forest
• The Fifth Tablet: Of The Fight With Humbaba
• The Sixth Tablet: Of The Goddess Ishtar, Who Fell In Love With The Hero After His Exploit Against Humbaba
• The Seventh Tablet: The Death Of Enkidu
• The Eighth Tablet: Of The Mourning Of Gilgamish, And What Came Of It
• The Ninth Tablet: Gilgamish In Terror Of Death Seeks Eternal Life
• The Tenth Tablet: How Gilgamish Reached Uta-Napishtim
• The Eleventh Tablet: The Flood
• The Twelfth Tablet: Gilgamish, In Despair, Enquires Of The Dead