Western civilization I

Overview of Gilgamesh and Enkidu's Quest

• Enkidu arrives at a wedding and ends up hiding after Gilgamesh shows up.

• After a stalemate in their confrontation, Gilgamesh proposes friendship to Enkidu instead of continuing their rivalry.

Proposal of the Quest

• Gilgamesh suggests a quest to the great cedar forest.

  • Objective: Cut down large cedar trees to create a grand gate for the city.

  • Problem: The forest is protected by a demon and the storm god.

  • Ownership: The trees belong to the gods, which complicates their quest.

Initial Reactions to the Quest

• Citizens of Uruk (Gilgamesh's city) advise against the quest.

  • Concerns: Challenging a literal god and stealing from the gods.

• Gilgamesh disregards the warnings and performs rituals to gain favor from the gods, deciding to proceed with the quest.

Journey to the Cedar Forest

• The journey takes a significant amount of time, but they travel quickly (50 leagues/day).

  • Note: A league is approximately 18 miles.

• Enkidu begins to experience dreams during the journey.

  • Dream Interpretation: He foresees that mountains will fall, suggesting foreboding obstacles ahead.