114 Epic of Gilgamesh Essay Topics & Examples

If you’re looking for Gilgamesh essay topics, you’ve come to the right place. Our experts collected topics and examples that will help you analyze the epic’s themes and characters.

🔝 Top-10 Gilgamesh Essay Examples

1. Gilgamesh: The Hero’s Journey by Joseph Campbell (The Monomyth)
2. Gilgamesh and Enkidu Friendship Essay
3. Importance of Dreams in the Epic of Gilgamesh
4. Gilgamesh and Odysseus: A Comparison
5. Gilgamesh Compared to Modern Day Hero: Similarities and Differences
6. The Literary Function of Dreams in the Epic of Gilgamesh
7. The Epic of Gilgamesh: The Death and the Afterlife
8. What Is the Nature of the Gods in the “Epic of Gilgamesh”?
9. Comparison Between the Serpent in the Old Testament and in Gilgamesh
10. Gilgamesh: Significance of the Literature of That Period of Time

🏆 Best Gilgamesh Essay Topics & Examples

1. Gilgamesh and Odysseus Comparison as a Heroes
   This myth is priceless for the researchers of Mesopotamian culture since it mirrors the religious traditions of that period, the treatment of gods, the perception of a hero, and attitudes to friendship and death.
2. “The Epic of Gilgamesh” and “The Bhagavad Gita” Comparison
   In the epic of Gilgamesh, it is indicated that there was a ruler who ruled the land of Samaria very many years ago.
3. The Epic of Gilgamesh and the Ancient Egyptian Culture
   The Epic of Gilgamesh and the culture of the ancient Egypt have their own similarities and differences based on the historical events that took place in this cultures and the religious beliefs of the two […]
4. The Importance of Friendship in “The Epic of Gilgamesh”
   At the beginning of the story, Gilgamesh, the king of the Sumerian city of Uruk, despite achievements in the development of the town, causes the dislike of his subjects.
5. Quote Explanation From “The Epic of Gilgamesh”
   This is the task worthy of a hero because, in order to acquire the previous cedar logs for the monument, the characters would have to travel to the faraway forest guarded by the dreaded giant […]
6. “The Epic of Gilgamesh” a Story by Maureen Kovacs
   The fact that Gilgamesh is ready to die for the sake of his people, also shows that he is selfless, a character of a true hero.
7. Gilgamesh, The Iliad and Aeneid: On the Similarities in the Works
   In contrast, the villains are made to capture the fears, and challenges of the societies represented by these epics. The import of these three epics lies in their historicism.
8. Comparing the Epic Heroes: A Study of Gilgamesh and Odysseus
   These qualities are present in different degrees in both Gilgamesh and Odysseus, and they share the ideals and values of the people in their communities.
9. Death in The Epic of Gilgamesh and Egyptian Book of the Dead
   The Epic of Gilgamesh is the most famous work of Babylonian literature, in which the everlasting question of life’s purpose and the inevitability of human death is posed.
10. Medea and the Epic of Gilgamesh Works
    Evaluating the murder of the children, the conclusion can be drawn that the females were thought to give the life and take it back.
11. Post-Colonial Theory in “The Epic of Gilgamesh” and “The Tempest”
    In “The Epic of Gilgamesh”, the main character is shown to be sure of his own strength and righteousness of feelings and thoughts.
12. The Epic of Gilgamesh Poem Analysis
    Whence, the lamentation of his subjects and the appearance of Enkidu form the basis of the transformation of Gilgamesh especially his character.
13. Women in The Odyssey and The Epic of Gilgamesh
    In particular, the women’s power in the story was shown in their ability to influence significantly men, who were depicted as the wisest and most powerful beings.
14. The Flood in The Epic of Gilgamesh: The Secret Through the Story of the Flood
    Gilgamesh asks Utanapishtim to narrate the story of his fate, and Utanapishtim reveals the secret behind his fate through the story of the flood.
15. “The Epic of Gilgamesh” by Ryan Gibbs
    He will have you lie on a grand couch, and will have you lie in the seat of ease, the seat at his left, so that the princes of the world kiss your feet.
16. “The Epic of Gilgamesh” and “The Death of Ivan Ilyich”
    From both stories, it is evident that the journey of life requires people to be sympathetic and interact with each other.
17. The Epic of Gilgamesh
    Enkidu, another man who is also depicted in the Epic of Gilgamesh as having a power in terms of how he treated his companions, meets King Gilgamesh in some of the scenes in the epic […]
18. The Epic of Gilgamesh Analysis
    In the story, Enkidu who was created to be wild is meant to counteract the oppression of King Gilgamesh on the inhabitants of the Uruk territory.
19. The Epic of Gilgamesh by Sumerians
    This paper creates a critical analysis of The Epic of Gilgamesh by specifically discussing Gilgamesh’s place in society, the justification of his societal position and his rights and obligations.
20. The Epic of Gilgamesh and the Hebrew Bible
    The Epic of Gilgamesh and the Hebrew Bible illustrate the origin of the world and the coexistence between mortals and gods.

💫 Fascinating Epic of Gilgamesh Essay Topics

The Epic of Gilgamesh is a text from ancient Mesopotamia that dates back to approximately 2000 B.C. It’s laid the foundation for how Western heroic epics are told. If you plan on writing a paper about the story, consider the amazing topics below:

1. Hero’s Journey: The Epic of Gilgamesh. This essay can consider the degree to which the story conforms to the heroic patterns such as childhood, quest, demise, and others.
2. Gilgamesh Epic: a psychological study. In this piece, examine the poem’s interpretations as a psychological allegory. You can also analyze the work by applying C.G. Jung’s archetypes and the collective unconscious theory.
3. The historical context of the Epic of Gilgamesh. The Gilgamesh Epic is among the oldest literary works. It follows the king’s journey of Uruk and is loosely based on historical events. Your paper can discuss the cultural context in which the story unravels.
4. Morality and immortality in the Epic of Gilgamesh. For your project, explore how the poem reflects on the themes of life and death. You can examine the story of Enkidu and Gilgamesh’s fear of death.

📃 Simple & Easy Gilgamesh Essay Topics

1. Discussion of “The Epic of Gilgamesh”
   Enkidu’s journeys to Gilgamesh and Uruk, his trek with Gilgamesh to the Forest, and the journeys to the underworld are examples of only a few of these major events.
2. ‘The Epic of Gilgamesh’ – From Sumerian Tablets to Modern Insights
   Turning to Gilgamesh’s outward metamorphosis, he was selfish and arrogant at the beginning of the epic, convinced of his exceptionality and ultimacy of judgment.
3. “Bhagavad-Gita”, “The Odyssey” and “The Epic of Gilgamesh”: Contrast and Comparison
   The sole aim of all the religions is to make the people realize the value of life and to make the most of the same but doing holy acts and by not indulging in undesirable […]
4. Comparing Stylistic Features of “Epic of Gilgamesh”, “The Iliad”, “One Thousand and One Nights”
   In the “Epic of Gilgamesh” Ninsun serves as a mother figure; she is devoted to her son Gilgamesh and is ready to help him in his endeavors.
5. Interior Monologue for Gilgamesh
   Yes, that one there, pick it up and use it to wade through the waters Remember to be cautious enough, and let not your hand pass over the waters of death Yes that is okay, […]
6. Greek/Roman Humanities: Epic of Gilgamesh and The Odyssey
   The earliest works of fiction included the work of fiction the Epic of Gilgamesh that dates from the beginnings of civilization in Mesopotamia and Homer’s Odyssey, greatest ancient works of literature attributed to Homer.
7. Heroes’ Noble Intentions in Epic Poems: Sundiata, Beowulf and Gilgamesh
   The monster was killed, and later Beowulf had to protect his people from the vengeful mother of the beast, although even the hero’s original sword refused to harm a woman.
8. Cardinal Virtues in The Epic of Gilgamesh
   The Epic of Gilgamesh enables the reader to identify the cardinal virtues that could be valued in the ancient world. The author of this poem highlights the importance of fortitude through the words of Enkidu […]
9. Flood Story Comparison: The Bible and the Epic of Gilgamesh
   In order to examine the variety in flood stories, Noah’s story from the Bible and the Sumerian flood will be compared.
10. The Poems “The Song of Roland,” “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” and “The Odyssey”
    The emphasis on bravery and dignity in Roland represents a stark contrast to the characters of Odysseus and Gilgamesh. Therefore, Roland as a character is vital in the evolution of heroic characters in epic narratives.
11. “The Epic of Gilgamesh” and COVID-19 Pandemic
    The article chosen for this analysis was written by Zhu & Zheng and focuses on the connection between the Epic of Gilgamesh and the COVID-19 Pandemic.
12. Main Character and Idea of “The Epic of Gilgamesh”
    As stated, the main character of this story is the King of Uruk, who now serves as a reminder that in the early times, humans used to feel the same as we did.
13. Deception in King Lear, The Odyssey and Gilgamesh
    The forms of deception in the book seem to come effortlessly to Odysseus, and the stories he tells throughout the book serve to protect him and his family.
14. Heroism and the Spirit of Adventure: The Odyssey and Gilgamesh Interpretation
    In fact, the ancient epic is famous nowadays mainly due to the fact that some of the works are considered as the first official mentioning of a hero.
15. The Role of Women in Great Epic Works: “The Odyssey” and “Gilgamesh”
    To summarize the influence of both women on Gilgamesh, it is possible to cite Kelley to describe Gilgamesh’s advice to him during one of the toughest period of the epic: When the gods created man, […]
16. Humans & Gods: Gilgamesh, Genesis, The Iliad, Nicomachean Ethics
    The narrative in the book of Genesis is constructed to depict that God created the society of people. It is seen in multiple appeals of the characters in the legend to gods.
17. Quest in “The Epic of Gilgamesh”
    To a great extent, the Epic of Gilgamesh illustrates the self-discovery and moral transformation of the protagonist who cannot accept the brevity of his life.
18. Critical Reading of Gilgamesh and Ecclesiastes
    This is to teach the reader to appreciate the life they have and prepare for the inevitability of death. Gilgamesh struggles to understand that, even as a king, he will need to face the fact […]
19. The Character of Gilgamesh in His Quest for Immortality
    The main character’s quest for immortality is analyzed through his way of life, the predetermined impossibility of achieving immortality, his journey to Uta-Napishtim, some of the challenges he has to pass to reach his aim, […]
20. The Theme of Tyranny in “Pedro Paramo” by Rulfo and “Gilgamesh” by Mason
    The usage of magic facilitates the understanding of the real world through its separation from illusive pictures. In his novel, the total deconstruction of political power is observed.
21. Dream Symbolism, Epic of Gilgamesh and Sigmund Freud
    Considering any similarity among the three given theories, it is can be seen that ‘Dream Symbolism’ and ‘Sigmund Freud’ are very similar in the sense that in both of them the main subject is wouldream’.
22. The Mythical Villains: Gilgamesh, Ravana and Oedipus
    Thus, the myth is one of the literary genre which helped ancient people to understand and explain the structure and natural phenomena of the world, environment, people and other creatures around, the origins of everything […]
23. The Epic of Gilgamesh: The Story of the Flood
    Gilgamesh is portrayed as a strong, bold and cruel king of Uruk in the beginning. Arjuna, the central character of the epic Mahabharatha is a man of strength, wisdom and who adheres to his duties.
24. The Flood in the Bible and The Epic of Gilgamesh
    The flood stories in the Babylonian text ‘The Epic of Gilgamesh, Tablet XI’ and the Hebrew text ‘Genesis 6-9’ have been targets of international attention due to a controversy created by enemies of Christianity, namely, […]
25. Violence in the “Epic of Gilgamesh” and “The Summoning of Every-Man”.
    It is interesting to note that while Gilgamesh relish in the use of violence Every-Man depicts violence in a different light.

💡 Interesting Topics to Write about Gilgamesh

1. Gilgamesh and Oedipus the King
   In the case of Enkidu, he uses his strength to undermine all those going against his will and he is not putting in mind what the results will be to other in the society.
2. Gilgamesh Epic: The Life of a God-Man
   Both the Eden story and the Flood Story have clear counterparts in the Gilgamesh epic, whose restless hero also has his parallel in Odysseus of the Iliad, even as Gilgamesh fated friendship with Enkidu can […]
3. Gilgamesh’s and Joseph’s Dreams Comparison Review
   The functions of dreams in both works are studied by the researcher, their significance is underlined, differences and parallels between the usage of dreams in both works are established, the enduring values that the works […]
4. “When the Light Came On: The Epic of Gilgamesh” by Jarman
   In this passage, the author urges the readers to regard The Epic of Gilgamesh as a source that can illustrate the worldviews and values of the Mesopotamians.
5. Exile of Gilgamesh and Shakespeare’s Prospero
   The authors of these famous texts show in detail how the main characters Gilgamesh and Prospero struggle with the sense of alienation because of their exile, but overcoming this challenging experience, the characters develop their […]
6. “The Epic of Gilgamesh” in Art Interpretation
   It is imperative to mention that the analysis of ancient works is incredibly important because it enhances the understanding of the traditions and values of the people.”The Epic of Gilgamesh” is regarded as one of […]
7. Hero in “The Odysseus” and “The Epic of Gilgamesh”
   This paper explores the differences and similarities between the heroes of the ancient epics such as “The Odyssey” by Homer and “The Epic of Gilgamesh” the product of the culture of ancient Mesopotamia.
8. Relationships in The Epic of Gilgamesh
   In the story of Gilgamesh, Enkidu helps the wild animals to escape traps set by people. In Catullus, the narrator shows that toiling in further lands to gain profit is worthless if it is not […]
9. Epic Poems: “The Epic of Gilgamesh”, “The Iliad”, and “One Thousand and One Nights”
   On the other hand, in the epic poem “The Iliad” the author is concerned with the heroic exploits of Achilles in the contexts of death and immortality.
10. “Epic of Gilgamesh” – Characters Comparison
    The characters of Enkidu and Gilgamesh, and in fact, all the characters of this poem, are not notable for logical or reasonable behavior that makes sense to modern readers.
11. Literature: Things Fall Apart and The Epic of Gilgamesh
    The two are internally affected by the struggle between the forces longing for change and those advocating for the restoration of the status quo.
12. The “Epic of Gilgamesh” and Mesopotamia
    Another instance in the epic, which portrays women as sexual objects, is the use of the women as sex tools in the temple. Women in Mesopotamian society had the duty of brewing wine for men […]
13. Mythological Story of Gilgamesh
    Connecting the Story to the Bible: Where the Narrations Cross Being listed among the earliest specimen of the ancient literature, The epic of Gilgamesh bears a certain resemblance to another ancient book, which is the […]
14. “The Epic of Gilgamesh” and “The Tempest” Analysis
    The Epic of Gilgamesh and The Tempest are two masterpieces, which reflect the life of people who lived in the times when the works were created.
15. Philosophy & Literature: Mythology Through Gilgamesh
    At the beginning of the myth, Gilgamesh decides to conquer the jungle’s beast, Humbaba. The myth of Gilgamesh is a well-known literary piece.
16. The Comparison of Gilgamesh and Odysseus
    This paper is aimed at discussing the journeys undertaken by the main characters; in particular one should focus on their motives of the protagonists and the way in which both Gilgamesh and Odysseus were transformed […]
17. Homeric Heroes: Ulysses and Gilgamesh
    Then they would talk about their encounters with gods, Ulysses would tell how he met the god of the sea and how he was able to interact with him.
18. The Impact of Friendship in the Epic of Gilgamesh
    The elusive coalition between Enkidu and Gilgamesh, their fateful destinies and eventual epiphanies broaden the societal apprehension of the elements/value of friendship as expounded in the next discussion.
19. Meaning of Gilgamesh’s Quest
    After Enkidu’s death and the loss of the magic plan of the rejuvenation walls, Gilgamesh is reduced to a humble and introverted seeker.
20. Epiphany of a Character From Assigned Readings
    Enkidu is Gilgamesh’s closest friend and just before his death, “he has a revelation on the punishment he and Gilgamesh are to undergo after their death.
21. The Driving Force of Plot in Medea by Euripides, Othello by William Shakespeare, and the Epic of Gilgamesh
    Reading Medea by Euripides, Othello by William Shakespeare, and The Epic of Gilgamesh it becomes obvious that the driving force of plot is heroism, however, the nature of that heroism is different that may be […]
22. Epic of Gilgamesh
    The aim of the mythic expedition of the male protagonist is to discover special understanding which will re-establish steadiness to him and the entire society.
23. The Story of Gilgamesh in Sumerian Versions
    The story talks about the powers of Gilgamesh who was the King of Uruk and the influence of other gods in the land.
24. “What Is the Meaning of Life?” in the Works of Gilgamesh and Agamemnon
    Trying to answer the question ‘what is the meaning of life?’ has been one of the hardest tasks for humanity. One readily gets attempted to ask the question, ‘is life meant to have a bitter […]
25. The Gain of Consciousness in the “Epic of Gilgamesh”
    After killing Humbaba in the forbidden forest of cedars, Gilgamesh and Enkidu returns home to find Ishtar, the goddess of love full of lust for Gilgamesh.

⚔️ Epic of Gilgamesh Essay: How to Choose the Best Example

When working on their papers, it’s not unusual for students to use samples as references. However, how do you know the example is good enough? Well, there are some criteria you should pay attention to.

An excellent piece of writing:

• Is focused. A good essay has a clear single idea that is conveyed to readers.
• Has unity. In a high-quality paper, all paragraphs relate to the main idea.
• Is coherent. If a piece has a logical structure and a smooth flow, it becomes more readable.
• Has good grammar. Correct standard English with complete sentences and no typos is usually the standard for an academic paper.
• Consists of well-developed paragraphs. Each paragraph of a piece focuses on one idea explained through examples, descriptions, and details.

Check out the amazing papers on this page you can use as inspiration!

❓ Gilgamesh Essay Questions

1. What Assumptions Can You Make About the Ancient Babylonians Based on Your Reading of the “Epic of Gilgamesh”?
2. How Has Gilgamesh Changed?
3. What Does the Friendship Between Gilgamesh and Enkidu Tell You About the Character of Both Men?
4. How Does Enkidu Represent an Undiscovered Side of Gilgamesh?
5. What Do the Selections From the “Epic of Gilgamesh” Tell Us About the Society That Produced It?
6. What Makes a Person Heroic? Is Gilgamesh a Hero?
7. What Is Gilgamesh Like at the Beginning of the Story? How Does Enkidu Change Gilgamesh?
8. What Does Gilgamesh Learn About Death and Immortality From Utnapishtim?
9. What Does Gilgamesh Search for in His Life and Why?
10. How Are Cultural Values Conveyed Through the Narrative Structure of the “Epic of Gilgamesh”?
11. What Are the Similarities Between Genesis and the “Epic of Gilgamesh”?
12. Who Faced Greater Challenges: Achilles or Gilgamesh?
13. What Traits Have Beowulf and Gilgamesh in Common?
14. Who Was the Greater Hero – Gilgamesh or Enkidu?
15. What Do Enkidu’s Curse and Then His Blessing of the Prostitute Suggest About the Lot of Women in Ancient Mesopotamia in the “Epic of Gilgamesh”?
16. Why Does Utnapishtim Tell Urshanabi That He Is No Longer Welcome in His Realm in the “Epic of Gilgamesh”?
17. What Does the Story of Enkidu’s Education by the Prostitute Tell Us About Mesopotamian Views of Culture and Civilization in the “Epic of Gilgamesh”?
18. Why Is Gilgamesh an Epic Hero?
19. What Is the Significance of Gilgamesh’s Passage Through the Darkness Beneath the Twin-Peaked Mountain?
20. Is Gilgamesh a Virtuous Character?
21. What Does Gilgamesh’s and Enkidu’s Constant Struggle and Defiance of the Gods Tell Us About How the Gods Were Viewed in Gilgamesh’s Time?
22. Is Gilgamesh a Man of Action or a Man of Contemplation?
23. What Does Humbaba/Huwawa Represent in the “Epic of Gilgamesh”?
24. Which Line of Gilgamesh’s Lament Expresses His True Emotion Over the Loss of Enkidu?
25. What Is the Significance of the Darkness That Gilgamesh Encounters in the Passage Beneath Mount Mashu on His Way to Seek Utnapishtim?
26. What Are Women’s Strength and Their Roles in the “Epic of Gilgamesh”?
27. What Is the Importance of Friendship in the “Epic of Gilgamesh”?
28. What Was a Cause of Stance Loss in Battles of Gilgamesh?
29. What Are Gilgamesh’s Character Traits, Strengths, and Weaknesses? What Are Enkidu’s?
30. What Is the Ultimate Message of “Epic of Gilgamesh”?