Tablet I Worksheet

Gilgamesh's power is unchallenged and those who choose to challenge him will not walk away.

Text Analysis

The constant representation of Gilgamesh's power defines him as a superhuman. These lines help to establish the complexities of Gilgamesh's character while upholding the key structural elements of Epic poetry.

'His companions are kept on their feet by his contests, [the young men of Uruk] he harries without warrant. Gilgamesh lets no son go free to his father, by day and by [night his tyranny grows] harsher.

'[When the herd comes] down [to] the water-hole,[she should strip off] her [raiment to reveal] her charms. [He will] see her, and will approach her, his herd will spurn him, [though he grew up] amongst it.'

,"My son, the axe you saw is a friend, like a wife you'll love him, caress and embrace him, and I, Ninsun, I shall make him your equal. A mighty comrade will come to you, and be his friend's saviour, mightiest in the land, strength he possesses, his strength is as mighty as a rock from the sky."