Discussion: Elements of Literature in a World Literature Text
For today’s discussion, I chose The Epic of Gilgamesh from the World Literature I table of
contents. This work is a form of prose, specifically an epic narrative. Although it was originally
composed in poetic verse on clay tablets, most modern editions present it in prose translation to
make the storyline more accessible to contemporary readers (Mitchell, 2004). The storyline
follows the adventures of Gilgamesh, king of Uruk, and his companion Enkidu, as they confront
divine beings, battle monstrous creatures, and ultimately grapple with the inevitability of death.
The plot can be divided into two major arcs: first, Gilgamesh and Enkidu’s heroic exploits, such
as slaying Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven; and second, Gilgamesh’s journey after Enkidu’s
death, in which he seeks immortality but learns that human beings must accept their mortality
(Sandars, 1972). Overall, the plot moves from external conflict to internal struggle, showing
Gilgamesh’s transformation from a tyrannical ruler to a wiser and more compassionate leader.
One of the central themes in The Epic of Gilgamesh is the human confrontation with death. This
theme becomes especially prominent after Enkidu’s death, when Gilgamesh becomes terrified of
his own fate. His quest for eternal life reveals a universal human desire—one that transcends
cultures and time periods—to understand the meaning of existence and the limits of human
power. Gilgamesh initially believes that strength, bravery, and reputation can defy death, but the
narrative gradually disproves this belief, showing instead that wisdom, legacy, and human
relationships offer a different kind of immortality (Foster, 2001). Through this theme, the text
highlights the fragility of life and emphasizes personal growth, humility, and acceptance as paths
toward achieving a meaningful life.
The Epic of Gilgamesh clearly belongs to the domain of World Literature for several reasons.
First, it is one of the oldest surviving literary works, originating in ancient Mesopotamia around
2100 BCE, and it reflects the beliefs, values, and cultural practices of an early civilization
(George, 2003). Second, the themes it explores—friendship, heroism, grief, mortality—are
universal and continue to resonate across cultures and historical periods. World Literature is
defined not only by geographical breadth but also by its ability to speak to human experiences
beyond a single cultural context, and Gilgamesh fits this definition perfectly. Finally, the epic
has been translated into numerous languages and adapted in many artistic forms, allowing it to
circulate globally and influence readers, scholars, and writers across time. Its endurance as a
foundational text demonstrates how World Literature connects ancient traditions to modern
audiences through timeless storytelling.
References
Foster, B. R. (2001). The Epic of Gilgamesh. W. W. Norton & Company.
George, A. (2003). The Babylonian Gilgamesh epic: Introduction, critical edition and cuneiform
texts. Oxford University Press.
Mitchell, S. (2004). Gilgamesh: A new English version. Free Press.
Sandars, N. K. (1972). The Epic of Gilgamesh. Penguin Classics.
