The Epic of Gilgamesh

The world's first literary work, The Epic of Gilgamesh, is a story that dates back four millennia to the ancient Sumerian culture. The story centers on Gilgamesh, a man with superhuman qualities who struggles with the quest for immortality and knowledge. This story is important for understanding the ancient Sumerians because it portrays their beliefs about cultural values and about religion and the afterlife. Ancient Sumerian culture valued the ideas of heroism, knowledge and loyalty. They have an anthropomorphic slant on religion, specifically in regards to their gods. Also, their view of the afterlife is somewhat dark and morbid.…