I’m looking forward to reading Gilgamesh for the first time. I wouldn’t be doing it without your encouragement. And I love the extra resources you’ve provided if anyone wants to do a “deep dive” into this ancient work of literature.
Love all the connections you are finding Erik. This is why study of these ancient texts is so fascinating - the linkages that exist and how they impacted ancient cultures and now us.
Eric, thank you so much for sharing your reading project with us! It really is the “thing I have been searching for” as well. I hope to make it in person next time. But, I loved the connection back to the beginning at the end of Gilgamesh- and finally remembered the TS Eliot quote, “We shall not cease from exploration.
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.
Through the unknown, remembered gate
When the last of earth left to discover
Is that which was the beginning;
At the source of the longest river
The voice of the hidden waterfall
And the children in the apple-tree
Not known, because not looked for
But heard, half-heard, in the stillness
Between two waves of the sea.”
So many connections to other writing in this work. So fascinating!!! Thank you again!
If you can get your hands on a copy of “Gilgamesh The King” by Robert Silverberg, it’s worth the effort. It’s not poetry, but a fun read for the less studious among us.
I second this suggestion. It helped put a lot of obscure cultural factors from the original epic into a context that made sense and helped flesh out the society of the time. Even if it wasn't a strictly faithful retelling, it was worth reading for this additional insight.
I’m looking forward to reading Gilgamesh for the first time. I wouldn’t be doing it without your encouragement. And I love the extra resources you’ve provided if anyone wants to do a “deep dive” into this ancient work of literature.
It was so great having you at the reading group last night. Thanks for attending! It was very nice to meet you.
An interesting podcast that mentions Gilgamesh in context of Uruk if you’re interested. https://open.spotify.com/episode/0uvEj8HdkB8rpbTAeIUXQZ?si=Lh41w312S0amHXw05EBEXg&t=2746&context=spotify%3Ashow%3A7Cvsbcjhtur7nplC148TWy
Love all the connections you are finding Erik. This is why study of these ancient texts is so fascinating - the linkages that exist and how they impacted ancient cultures and now us.
Eric, thank you so much for sharing your reading project with us! It really is the “thing I have been searching for” as well. I hope to make it in person next time. But, I loved the connection back to the beginning at the end of Gilgamesh- and finally remembered the TS Eliot quote, “We shall not cease from exploration.
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.
Through the unknown, remembered gate
When the last of earth left to discover
Is that which was the beginning;
At the source of the longest river
The voice of the hidden waterfall
And the children in the apple-tree
Not known, because not looked for
But heard, half-heard, in the stillness
Between two waves of the sea.”
So many connections to other writing in this work. So fascinating!!! Thank you again!
If you can get your hands on a copy of “Gilgamesh The King” by Robert Silverberg, it’s worth the effort. It’s not poetry, but a fun read for the less studious among us.
I second this suggestion. It helped put a lot of obscure cultural factors from the original epic into a context that made sense and helped flesh out the society of the time. Even if it wasn't a strictly faithful retelling, it was worth reading for this additional insight.
Ok - you both convinced me. I just ordered it. Thanks!