a Question about "The Epic of Gilgamesh"

[Zuccherro]

hello

im not sure it's the right place to post a question so sorry but i didnt find the QA forum!! :S

Anyways, i have to prepare a presentation about the importance of this Epic, what's so special about it (i know, everything .. ) , why is it still considered prominent in the domain of English Litterature, why are people still interested in it (obviously because it's maybe the only evidence of the Sumarian Civilization,the oldest one we know ..)... so i need some information about it you know .. :)

So Can anyone help please? any links about this topic ?

[mal4mac]

I liked Stephen Mitchell's translation, which focusses on presenting it as a living and breathing piece of literature rather than just a historical document. Why not compare that to one of the more formal translations? Mitchell had some thought provoking material in the introductions and notes that could help you...

[billl]

I have read and seen several discussions about this story. I actually thought I had read it, when I first read this post, but actually, I haven't gotten further than holding the book at the bookstore.

I can say, however, that it has at least one theme that can be adapted to the present day. Enkidu (Gilgamesh's friend) is a "wild/natural" man. Gilgamesh is the leader of a civilized society. They contrast and complement each other, and their story is perhaps a metaphor for how humanity is affected by advances in technology, culture, etc. Sorry, I don't have any links, and maybe you already were aware of this theme, but just in case...