The Epic of Gilgamesh is a story that no one has ever heard of. That is unfortunate. Quite possibly the first great piece of literature, this 4,000 year old epic poem predates Homer’s Iliad by at least a thousand years .

Archaeologists discovered this piece of prose carved on tablets in Mesopotamia. The story is incomplete, as some tablets have been destroyed or lost to the ravages of time, but what remains is beautiful in its simplicity.

Evidence suggests that Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk, actually existed. Although some of the tales of his exploits in the epic are mythological, he nevertheless appears to have accomplished a great deal in his lifetime. Even with all of the strengths and powers of Gilgamesh, his driving force was the force that drives all men, the hope for immortality.

This book is short, easy to read, and powerful. Gilgamesh’s life is a testament to the inner drive of man. Nothing stood in Gilgamesh’s way. Two-thirds god, and one-third man, he built temples and cities for his people that were so sturdy, they marveled on them for centuries. He slayed monsters, and he took no prisoners. With an insatiable appetite for glory, women, and immortality, Gilgamesh was prototypical man.

The story centers on Gilgamesh’s friendship with Enkidu, another man from the gods. The two were the strongest men the world had ever seen. They travelled the world and slayed monsters together. Gilgamesh was always pushing his frightened friend forward.

Where is the man who can clamber to heaven? Only the gods live [forever] with glorious Shamash, but as for men, our days are numbered, our occupations are a breath of wind. How is this, already you are afraid. I will go first although I am your lord, and you may safely call out, “Forward, there is nothing to fear (p. 71.)

After many adventures together and many victories, the gods punish Gilgamesh for challenging their supremacy. Enkidu is killed, tearing Gilgamesh apart. He spends the remainder of his life on a rampage through the world attempting to find immortality for himself and for his people. Although previously he had acknowledged his own mortality, “Indeed I know it is so, for whoever is tallest among men cannot reach the heavens, and the greatest cannot encompass the earth (p.72.)”

This search for immortality pits Gilgamesh against many of the Gods. They lead him on his way while warning him that he will never find what he seeks. After many trials, Gilgamesh is told the key to immortality is a plant at the bottom of the ocean. He ties stones to his feet, jumps in the water, brings the thorny plant up from the deep and is exalted for his success. However, he does not eat the plant immediately, as he wants to bring it back to his kingdom to share with his people. A snake, sensing the plant’s power, steals and eats it, and is thus able to slough its skin and regenerate. Snakes became immortal and Gilgamesh loses the gift of immortality.

Eventually Gilgamesh dies, as all men do. Although Gilgamesh did not achieve the everlasting life he so desperately wanted, he achieved a measure of immortality nonetheless. Heralded by his people as the greatest of rulers, tales of his exploits are still being told thousands of years later, and his position as the oldest man to appear in literature remains safe.

As there is no older piece of literature than the Epic of Gilgamesh, there is no older source of wisdom. Read this book to expand your horizons. Read this book because you can do it in an afternoon. Read this book to celebrate man’s immortality.