has no known author. It is the earliest surviving work of written
literature. It is likely that the epic was originally oral stories, passed down from generation
to generation as a way to entertain as well as a way to teach values and provide explanation and
understanding of the world. Oral stories provided a deep, intimate connection between
storyteller and audience and could change between retellings or based on the storyteller's
skills and interests. The story may have been written down to preserve it in some
way.
As with many epics and mythologies, stories like the Epic of
Gilgamesh provide explanation for the natural world and teach values through the
stories. One example is Gilgamesh's search for immortality. Distressed about the death of his
beloved friend Enkidu, Gilgamesh seeks out eternal life. Dealing with mortality is a very human
element in this story and provides a narrative to explore human mortality:
Utnapishtim said to Gilgamesh,
"I will reveal...
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