Glossary

A. Aruru- Noun

A goddess of creation in Babylonian mythology that created Enkidu from clay in the image of Anu.

B. Bull of Heaven- Noun

Bull sent by the Gods that was killed by Enkidu and Gilgamesh.

C. Cedar-Noun

Great trees in which Gilgamesh cuts down during his travels and the demon Humbaba guards.

D. Divine- Adjective

To be holy supernatural, that is what people thought of Gilgamesh.

E. Enkidu- Noun

Wild man-beast raised by animals until Shamhat brings him to civilization, where he befriends Gilgamesh.

F. Flood- Noun

The great overflow of water that killed several, but Utnapishtim survived and Gilgamesh asks him how to be immortal.

G. Gilgamesh- Noun

King of Uruk, 1/3 human 2/3 god and the greatest ruler. Most powerful although he is harsh. Rimat Ninsun is his mom.

H. Humbaba- Noun

Guardian of the Cedar Forest that was killed by Gilgamesh and Enkidu with the help of Shamhat.

I. Ishtar- Noun

The goddess of fertility, love, and war, who asked Gilgamesh to marry her. He declined and her father Anu sent the Bull of heaven as a punishment.

J. Jealousy- Noun

Resentful and bitter in rivalry, or the fear of being replaced. For example, when Gilgamesh was jealous of Enkidu for people saying Enkidu was stronger than him.

K. Keeper- Noun

To retain possession and guard something from others, as Humbaba guards the cedar forest.

L. Lebanon- Noun

Country in which Gilgamesh traveled to kill Humbaba and cut down the great cedars.

M. Mourn- Verb

To grieve over death as Gilgamesh did when Enkidu died.

N. Netherworld- Noun

Another word for the Underworld to which Enkidu went when he died.

O. Outstanding- Adjective

Deeds that stand out compared to others, such as when Gilgamesh killed Humbaba.

P. Punish- Verb

To impose something hurtful to someone in cause of an action, such as when Enkidu killed the Bull of heaven the gods caused him sickness.

Q. Quest- Noun

A search or pursuit to obtain something, such as when Gilgamesh set out in search for immortality.

R. Return- Verb

To come back after a long journey. This is the last step of a hero, such as when Gilgamesh came back from slaying Humbaba.

S. Shamhat- Noun

Is the female that tames Enkidu and brings him into human society, where he befriends Gilgamesh.

T. Test- Noun

Is the part of a hero’s story that proves if he is ready or not, such as when Gilgamesh and Enkidu slay Humbaba.

U. Utnapishtim- Noun

The survivor of the flood and much more, so Gilgamesh goes to him to find the secret of immortality.

V. Vile- Adjective

Something that is wretched or dreadful like the appearance of Humbaba.

W. Wield- Verb

To control and use a weapon, such as when Gilgamesh wielded his power to kill Humbaba.

X. Exciting- Adjective

To be excited, as the villagers when Humbaba was slain.

Y. Yearn- Verb

To have a strong desire for longing as Gilgamesh yearned for immortality and Enkidu's life.

Z. Zoological- Adjective

Pertaining to animals or to animal life as Enkidu was raised with animals and lived like a wild animal.

Gilgamesh