GilgameshGilgamesh (First written in 2100 BC, 1300 years before the Iliad and the Odyssey) is a flood myth that has a lot of the myth elements as well as the hero elements: 

This image of Gilgamesh comes from Assyria. It shows Gilgamesh subduing a lion, a common pose for the great warrior-king. His long hair and beard also

show his strength, as well as his physical perfection.

This image of Gilgamesh and Enkidu by modern-day artist Neil Dalrymple is inspired by ancient images of the two friends; notice

Enkidu is part-animal, and smaller than the king whom he loves and serves.

The beauty and terror of the greatest of Sumerian goddesses come through in this ancient statue. Ishtar was at once lovely and terrible, seducing many great men and then killing them. Her unearthly white skin and glowing red eyes warn those who might answer her as she beckons with her right hand.

Humbaba's demonic face was a popular subject for sculptors; this ancient Assyrian representation follows the usual practice of

depicting the creature's face as one swirling line.

This modern-day recreation of a great walled city on a river gives us a sense of the beauty and power of Gilgamesh's city of Uruk. The continuing interest

in ancient Sumeria is proof that his city did indeed grant Gilgamesh immortality.

HomeworkRead Rosenberg: pp: 459-477

The Creation, Death, and Rebirth of the UniverseThe Theft of Thor’s HammerThe Death of Balder