Mesopotamia and Egypt are believed to be the world's first civilizations.

1. Mesopotamia and Egypt are believed to be the world's first civilizations. Mesopotamia, "between rivers," is the territory located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, in modern day Iraq. http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl http://www.planetaryvisions.com/sdisplay.php?id=7205_3

2. Sumer, which is the term referring to the area of Southern Mesopotamia, is believed to be where the world's first writing system developed. Initially, Sumerians wrote on clay tablets with a reed. Around 3300 BCE, clay tablets had pictures on them representing different animals. Next to the pictures, there would be tally markings. Eventually, a writing system with over 700 signs emerged. Later Sumerian writing was known as cuneiform. Cuneiform is the Latin term for "wedge shaped".

3. The epic hero is not unlike the tragic hero in that he born into greatness or into leadership. However, the epic hero has some characteristics that clearly distinguish him from the others. The epic hero is in a different class of men based on his "skill, strength, and courage"

4. The epic of Gilgamesh examines the quest for eternal life, friendship, abuse of power, and relationships. The epic is divided into twelve tablets each detailing a different aspect of Gilgamesh's adventures. Gilgamesh is the historical king of Uruk during 2700 BCE. Sumerian tablets still survive detailing his adventures. The tablets of this epic were found in the library of Ashurbanipal, the king of Assyria.

5. TABLET EXAMPLE

6. Although respected, the hero is not always someone likeable. Is it better to be a well-liked leader or a well-respected leader? Are both aspects possible? Blinded by his own praises, the hero tries to enhance his own reputation and may take on foolish, dangerous battles in an effort to continue to add to his list of achievements. These actions not only put him in danger but also risk the lives of those around him. This, however, makes his victory even more glorious and his people, even more grateful.

7. In media res" translates to "in the middle of ". The audience learns background information and details as the epic progresses. HOW DOES EG BEGIN in this way? The simile is much like the literary simile using "like" or "as"; however, the epic simile is full of description and helps to move the action along and to build suspense

8. The epic hero's main focus is dangerous activity, essentially a war or battle over an evil force. WHO IS THE EVIL FORCE? The epic hero is someone we want fighting on our side as he is cunning, resourceful, instinctive, and skilled. He works well under pressure; he is the kind of guy that has your back. We all have these skills but are magnified and shown to be glorious as the hero needs then to lead and save the day

9. LET’S BEGIN The Prologue The epic poem has a clear set-up and design. The poem begins with an invocation - this invocation calls on a muse or god to inspire divine intervention while telling the tale. In the invocation, the subject and the epic question are introduced The invocation is not defined in this reading. It begins with the prologue READ 1st para. What hint does the prologue give about Gilgamesh’s quest?

10. The Prologue Hints that Gilgamesh will see mysteries, gain knowledge of the world’s secrets, go on a long really exhausting journey

11. Prologue READ 2ND paragraph Rampart- defensive wall- used for military defense Consider how Gilgamesh is considered an extraordinary person

12. The Battle Why does the goddess Aruru create Enkidu?

13. Gilgamesh is arrogant!

14. Analyze When Gilgamesh states that “Immolation…for him, what is he predicting? Make sure you know this vocab word for tomorrow

15. He is predicting that he will NOT die in the battle

16. Shamash: one of the gods whom Gilgamesh worships What does Gilgamesh want Shamash to do?

17. Keep him safe and help him win the battle

18. What does the call and response reveal about Gilgamesh’s own powers and their limitations?

19. He sometimes needs the help of powerful forces……don’t we all?

20. Humbaba pg. 21 What is the chief emotion Humbaba is feeling?

21. Pg 21 FEAR Contrast the two men’s attitudes

22. Gilgamesh willing to offer mercy to Humbaba Enkidu feels showing the monster mercy would get Gilgamesh killed

23. Have you ever been in a dilemma where you have been torn between the desire to be compassionate and the need to adminster justice?

24. Do you think Gilgamesh was right to listen to Enkidu and ignore Humbaba’s pleas for mercy? Why or why not?

25. G is right--Humbaba is evil— can evil ever be trusted? G is wrong--The powerful gods may seek revenge on gilgamesh and his people

26. He is physically perfect and possesses great courage and strength

27. Group Work:In small groups, students will complete a chart to begin creating their own epic hero and epic journey. Students will complete the following: 1 Name of Hero 2 The Force the Hero will battle 3 The Journey (specifically where will the journey start and finish) 4 Obstacles the Hero must overcome 5 How will the epic end 6 Theme or Real Reason hero took the journey Conclusion: Groups will put information on chart paper and present to the class.