Dive into the timeless narratives of ancient Mesopotamia, the cradle of human civilization, and explore some of the earliest and most profound works of world literature. Read the poetic hymns of Enheduanna, the first named woman author in history, the cosmic drama of Enuma Elish, a magnificent creation story, and the epic adventures of Gilgamesh to uncover the enduring power of these ancient texts whose rediscovery has resonated in the modern world. Conclude by focusing on Gilgamesh’s encounter with Utnapishtim, the survivor of a great deluge, and compare it to the Biblical flood story of Noah, examining shared themes of divine judgment, survival, and renewal. No prior knowledge of ancient literature is required, only an appetite for stories from the deep past.
Please use the following texts: Enheduana: The Complete Poems of the World's First Author (2024 translation by Sophus Helle), Enuma Elish: The Babylonian Epic of Creation (2024 translation by Sophus Helle), and Gilgamesh: A New Translation of the Ancient Epic (2022 translation by Sophus Helle).
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