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    The Epic of Gilgamesh: The Babylonian Epic Poem and Other Texts in Akkadian and Sumerian (Penguin Classics)
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    1. Batyr_Zhakypov 30 Jan 2026
      At the very first glimmer of brightening dawn,[Gilgamesh arose and entered his treasury.]He undid its sealings, inspected the gems:obsidian, carnelian, [lapis lazuli,] ... alabaster. VIII 95· ........ skilfully worked,· ........ he provided for his friend.· ........ he provided for his friend,· ..... of x+ 10 minas of gold he provided for his friend.· ..... of x minas of gold he provided for his friend. VIII lOO· ..... of x minas of gold he provided for his friend.· ..... of x minas of gold he provided for his friend.· ..... between them, mounted in thirty minas of gold,· ..... was their ... , he provided for his friend. VIII I05· ..... was their ... , he provided for his friend.· . . . . .... was their thickness,· ..... was their ... , he provided for his friend.· ........ large· ........ he provided for his friend. VIII IIO· ........ of his waist· ........ he provided for his friend.· ........ he provided for his friend.· ........ he provided for his friend.· ........ he provided for his friend. VIII 1I5· ........ he provided for his friend.· ........ of his feet, he provided for his friend.· ..... of x talents of ivory ... ,

      The tribute and offering to Gilgamesh's deceased friend seem extremely solid and valuable. It shows how Gilgamesh cares about Enkidu even after his death. It is representative of many pagan cultures to believe that life after death is interconnected with a previous life, and accepts bringing valuable belongings with them.

    2. Batyr_Zhakypov 28 Jan 2026
      The gods Anu, Enlil, Ea and celestial Shamash[held assembly], and Anu spoke unto Enlil: "These, because they slewthe Bull of Heaven, and slew :!-Humbaba that [guarded] the mountainsdense-[ wooded1 with cedar," so said Anu, "between these two [letone of them die!]"'And Enlil said: "Let Enkidu die, but let not Gilgamesh die!"'Celestial Shamash began to reply to the hero Enlil: "Was it not atyour word that they slew him, the Bull of Heaven - and also ::-Hum-baba? Now shall innocent Enkidu die?"

      It is quite a peculiar situation from many standpoints, as the gods seem unfair and inconsistent. Even though Shamash is associated with justice, he doesn’t actually enforce it when it is needed, and his words at the council change nothing. It’s also strange that eternal, supernatural beings can be so easily offended by semi-divine humans, as if their pride is fragile and their decisions depend on emotions rather than principles. Sending the Bull feels impulsive and illogical, and when it is defeated, the reaction looks less like “justice” and more like a wounded ego - punishing the heroes because the divine might of Ishtar wasn't strong enough to surpass the power of semi-gods. The biggest contradiction is Shamash’s role. He actively helped defeat Humbaba by sending the winds, but later avoided responsibility for that help, as if he supported the action in the moment yet refused to stand behind it when the consequences became serious. Other Gods on a council did not seem to bat an eye at these facts.

    3. Batyr_Zhakypov 28 Jan 2026
      He then turns his thoughts to the trapper and the prostitute, the instruments ofhis introduction to civilization, whom he also blames for his plight. Shamashpersuades him to relent, and he returns to bless the prostitute.

      I can understand Enkidu's mixed feelings and resentment towards the prostitute. Even though she has introduced him to the civilisation, served as an opportunity for a friendship with Gilgamesh, and helped to obtain a human identity, Enkidu still misses the old life that was close to nature and free from human mortal affairs and conflicts.

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    ecourse.auca.kg/pluginfile.php/465323/mod_resource/content/1/Copy of Copy of 2. Gilgamesh trans. Andrew George (Penguin 2000).pdf