Gilgamesh

The Epic of Gilgamesh, which originated nearly four thousand years ago in ancient Mesopotamia, tells the story of a tyrannical king and his wild counterpart Enkidu, who was created by the gods to temper the king's cruel tendencies. After a violent contest, a deep, intimate friendship develops between the two, leading them through extraordinary adventures. From a bloody battle against the fearsome guardian of the forest, Humbaba, to a catastrophic fight with the celestial beast, the duo confronts the fundamental destinies of humanity. Gilgamesh is not only a tale of love between men, but also a timeless meditation on loss, grief, and the quest to overcome death. In the poetic translation by Simon Armitage, the British Poet Laureate, this ancient epic is brought to life in rhythmic, contemporary English, making it accessible and vibrant. Armitage's version revives the ancient text and offers a new generation of readers an exciting gateway to the origins of storytelling.