- TASK: Analyze The Epic of Gilgamesh through the lense of Ishmael What would Ishmael have to say about the Epic of Gilgamesh?In this task you are going to relate the ancient story of Gilgamesh to the ideas found in the book Ishmael.The Epic of Gilgamesh is the oldest story ever written down, even older than the Bible. It comes from ancient Mesopotamia where the world’s first civilizations developed. Therefore, it is a “cultural snapshot” of what early “Takers” believed: it is a story that early Takers told their children. In this assignment, you will look for examples in the Gilgamesh story that characterizes him and his people as “Takers.” In other words, what in the story matches up with what we call ‘civilization’? How did Gilgamesh himself, or anything else in the story, epitomize the Taker mindset? Watch the animated story of the Epic of Gilgamesh on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV9t3Cp18Rc, Then:Write a 1-2 page (double spaced) paper in which you discuss the Gilgamesh story in relation to the ‘anti-civ’ theme we have covered in the class with the reading of Ishmael. Things to consider (questions to guide you. you don’t need to answer them all)The Epic of Gilgamesh is an early Taker story, but every Leaver culture also has had their own stories to explain their places in the world. How does the story of King Gilgamesh reflect the worldview of the Takers? (the Earth/nature belongs to man and is there for our use) What does immortality signify to Gilgamesh and taker culture as a whole? How does the story of Gilgamesh ‘conquering’ (cutting) the cedar forests to gain immortality and power, and the story of the great flood, relate to the themes we have covered in class? These are just some questions to consider, you need not answer them specifically.outside sources are not required for this assignment, but here are two helpful, optional sources you could use if you need to supplement your thoughts in any way:“ Gilgamesh- The Long Version” from the What is Sustainable blog http://wildancestors.blogspot.com/2011/09/gilgamesh-long-version.html, pages 13-20 of the PDF of Forests the Shadow of Civilization.pdf Forests the Shadow of Civilization.pdf – Alternative Formats by Harrison Forests the Shadow of Civilization.pd
RUBRIC: The “A” paper will:
Demonstrate an understanding of the main ideas of both Ishmael and The Epic of Gilgamesh, and make a clear connection between the twoBe analytical in arguing how Ishmael would think about Gilgamesh as a “Taker” and the Epic of Gilgamesh as a story from a Taker culture.Be well-organized and clearly written, with sources quoted/cited WITHIN the paper in any format (parentheses or footnotes)Due on Mar 15, 2026 11:59 PMAvailable on Feb 25, 2025 12:01 AM. Access restricted before availability starts.
