If you are looking for the beginning of the Epic of Gilgamesh study you should start HERE with the Historical introduction. The links to each set of study questions will be posted at the bottom of that original post as they are completed so you can easily find whichever section you are looking for.
Grammar Questions: (The Facts of the Text)
What is the first thing Gilgamesh does upon returning from slaying Huwawa? (i)
What does Ishtar want with/from Gilgamesh? (i)
What does she offer Gilgamesh in exchange? (i)
How does Gilgamesh respond to Ishtar? (i)
What became of Ishtar’s two former lovers? (i)
What does Ishtar do after being rejected by Gilgamesh? (ii)
How does Anu respond to Ishtar? (ii)
How does Antum respond to Ishtar? (ii)
What will be caused by the release of “The Bull of Heaven?” (ii)
At least how many “men of Uruk” die because of the Bull? (iii)
Who stops the Bull’s rampage? (iii)
What does Enkidu say he would do to Ishtar if he could reach her? (iv)
What does Gilgamesh do with the Bull’s horns? (iv)
Logic Questions: (The Interpretation of the Text)
Why does Ishtar want Gilgamesh for a husband? (i)
Why is Gilgamesh not interested in Ishtar’s offer of marriage despite her offers of lavish wealth and prosperity? (i)
Gilgamesh calls Ishtar “the door through which cold gets in” and several other things. What is Gilgamesh implying about Ishtar? (i)
Why is Anu not so quick to send punishment towards Gilgamesh? (ii)
Enkidu says, “The life of a man is short.” Why, in Enkidu’s mind, does this mean they should fight the Bull? (iii)
What might we infer from Gilgamesh’s behavior after the Bull is slain? (iv)
Why might the gods take counsel together after the events of this Tablet? (iv)
Rhetoric Questions: (The Analysis of the Text)
How should we define “love” and do you think Ishtar really loved Gilgamesh? (i)
Is Gilgamesh wise in responding to Ishtar as he does? If not, how should he have responded? (i)
In part ii Ishtar seeks revenge against Gilgamesh. Why do people seek revenge?
Theological Analysis: (Bringing the Scripture to Bear on the Text)
Read Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. How do we see the truth of this Scriptural teaching played out in Gilgamesh’s story so far?
The Bull of Heaven caused such damage that there was a seven year famine. (ii) In Genesis 41 we are told about Joseph helping Egypt prepare for a famine. What are some similarities and differences between these two stories?
This story presents a fairly graphic picture of the goddess Ishtar lusting after Gilgamesh. This kind of lustful sexual interest in humans is common in other mythologies as well (Greek, Roman, Norse, etc.). Contrast this with God’s interaction with Mary in Luke 1:26-38 concerning her being chosen to bring Jesus into the world. What is different about it?
Virtues/Vices/Great Ideas: (Find them in the Text)
Revenge, Friendship