World Literature & Epic of Gilgamesh – Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, characters, themes, archetypes, and conflicts from the lecture notes on World Literature and The Epic of Gilgamesh.

World Literature

The study of written works originating from various cultures and time periods across the globe.

Cuneiform

The earliest known writing system, created in ancient Sumer by pressing wedge-shaped reeds into clay tablets.

Kingdom of Sumer

Ancient civilization in northern Iraq where writing first developed about 5,000 years ago.

Epic of Gilgamesh

The world’s oldest surviving epic poem, composed in Akkadian and recounting the adventures of King Gilgamesh of Uruk.

Mesopotamia

Historical region between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers; birthplace of the Epic of Gilgamesh.

Akkadian

Semitic language in which the standard version of the Epic of Gilgamesh was written.

Gilgamesh

Two-thirds god, one-third man; powerful but initially arrogant king of Uruk and hero of the epic.

Enkidu

Wild man created by the gods to humble Gilgamesh; becomes his loyal friend.

Humbaba

Ferocious guardian of the Cedar Forest defeated by Gilgamesh and Enkidu.

Ishtar

Mesopotamian goddess of love and war whose advances Gilgamesh rejects.

Utnapishtim

Immortal flood survivor who reveals the limits of human life to Gilgamesh.

Urshanabi

Boatman who ferries Gilgamesh across the Waters of Death.

Mortality (Theme)

Recognition that death is inevitable, even for heroes and demigods.

Friendship (Theme)

Transformative bond between Gilgamesh and Enkidu that tempers arrogance.

Legacy (Theme)

Idea that lasting impact comes from one’s deeds rather than eternal life.

Narrative Poem

A poem that tells a story with plot, characters, and setting.

Epic Poem

A lengthy narrative poem about the heroic deeds of legendary or supernatural figures.

Ballad

Narrative poem meant to be sung or recited, often with a repeating refrain.

Romance (Poetry)

Narrative poem featuring idealized adventures, chivalry, and quests for love.

Archetype

A universal pattern or model recurring in literature across cultures.

Hero/Heroine

Central character who embarks on a journey and experiences personal growth.

Shadow

Villain or the hero’s internal darkness and primary source of conflict.

Mentor

Wise guide who instructs or assists the hero on their journey.

Companion

Friend or sidekick who accompanies and supports the hero.

Trickster

Witty character providing humor or mischief, often highlighting truth.

Shapeshifter

Figure whose appearance or motives are uncertain, creating suspense.

Hero’s Journey

Plot archetype where a protagonist leaves home, faces trials, changes, and returns transformed.

Rags to Riches

Story archetype in which a poor or powerless character gains wealth or success.

Star-Crossed Lovers

Lovers doomed by external forces such as fate or feuding families.

Overcoming a Monster

Plot archetype centered on defeating a formidable antagonist or evil force.

Coming of Age

Narrative focusing on a young person’s transition from childhood to adulthood.

Revenge (Plot Archetype)

Storyline driven by a character’s desire to retaliate against wrongdoing.

Conflict

The struggle or problem a character faces within a story.

Man vs. Self

Internal conflict involving a character’s emotions, doubts, or decisions.

Man vs. Man

External conflict between two or more characters.

Man vs. Society

Conflict arising from opposition to societal norms, laws, or beliefs.

Man vs. Nature

Struggle against natural forces such as weather, wilderness, or animals.

Man vs. Supernatural

Confrontation with paranormal or otherworldly forces.

Man vs. Technology

Tension between characters and machines or technological advances.

Man vs. Fate/Destiny

Conflict involving attempts to escape or accept a predetermined future.

Cedar Forest

Sacred woodland guarded by Humbaba in the Epic of Gilgamesh.

Bull of Heaven

Divine creature sent by Ishtar to punish Gilgamesh, later killed by the heroes.