The Epic of Gilgamesh Chapter Summary & Analysis - Tablet 1 Summary

Tablet 1 Summary

Like Homer's tale of Odysseus, the story of Gilgamesh begins with the narrator introducing the great hero and foreshadowing his many deeds. We are told of Gilgamesh, a great king and hero who built the city of Uruk. The city is described as having an outer wall that shines like copper and an inner wall that was built without equal. There are ancient temples in the great city and inside, a giant lapis stone on which the tale of Gilgamesh is carved.

Gilgamesh is a king of kings, a great hero, and is even said to be two-thirds human and one-third god. Gilgamesh is arrogant, proud and not particularly wise in his early years, however, and uses his power in the wrong way. He is unkind and harsh to his people, constantly challenging them to battle and even assuming he has the first right to any bride on her wedding...
(read more)