This 42-slide presentation introduces The Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the oldest surviving works of world literature. It follows the main events of the epic, from Gilgamesh’s rule over Uruk and his friendship with Enkidu to their adventures, Enkidu’s death and Gilgamesh’s search for immortality.

The presentation also covers the Great Flood story, including Utnapishtim’s survival and the gods’ decision to destroy humanity. It introduces the epic’s main themes and ideas through close reading and analysis of selected passages.

Topics covered include:
Gilgamesh’s power, arrogance & tyranny
Friendship, loyalty & the loss of Enkidu
Heroism, fame & the desire for immortality
The relationship between gods and humans
Death and the Mesopotamian afterlife
The Great Flood and Utnapishtim’s story
Similarities between flood narratives
The presentation includes:
A chronological account of the epic
Selected quotations with close reading and analysis
Background on Mesopotamian mythology and beliefs
Discussion questions for classroom use
References and a Works Cited section

Based on N. K. Sandars’s translation, this resource is suitable for English Literature, World Literature & Cultural Studies classes.