The Epic of Gilgamesh is the oldest known epic poem. Written on 12 stone tablets it dates from the 7th century B.C.

The story tells of Gilgamesh, a cruel king whose life is changed by his friendship with Enkidu, a wild man who joins him on many quests. When Enkidu dies the anguished Gilgamesh embarks on a quest for immortality.

This beautifully written and illustrated series of books retells the story in a manner which depicts the humanity of these ancient people who struggle with the ageless issues of life and the after-life. Readers of all ages will appreciate the illustrations evoking the surroundings of ancient Sumeria.

In Book One of the this trilogy Gilgamesh, half-god and half-man, in his loneliness and isolation becomes a cruel tyrant over the citizens of Uruk. To impress them forever he orders a great wall to be built, driving his people to exhaustion and despair so that they cry to the Sun God for help. In answer, another kind of man, Enkidu, is sent to earth to live among the animals and learn kindness from them. He falls in love with Shamhat, a singer from the temple, and he follows her back to Uruk. There, Enkidu, the "uncivilized" beast from the forest, shows the evil Gilgamesh through friendship what it means to be human.

1st book in this Gilgamesh trilogy

Author: Ludmila Zeman

Titles in the series:


Gilgamesh the King


The Revenge of Ishtar


The Last Quest of Gilgamesh

Volume One, Unit Two, Beginner level

Please note: We have reviewed this version of the Gilgamesh story, as well as Gilgamesh, Man's First Story by Bernarda Bryson, for age-appropriateness. We do not recommend using other versions of the Epic of Gilgamesh, even those that have been written for children. The original story, as does much ancient literature, contains explicit scenes not suitable for reading until college.