The Epic of Gilgamesh
Western literature has few epics of any real greatness. Of these, The Epic of Gilgamesh is by far the oldest. The standard version of the epic, preceded Homer's Iliad and Odyssey by centuries. And the story of Gilgamesh's deeds is much older then that, maybe as old as the cult religion that worshipped Gilgamesh as a deity around 2600 B.C.E.
But what does it mean to call Gilgamesh an "epic"? The epic form itself is sometimes traced to Homer, to define five common features to epics: 1) there is a hero of great national or even universal importance; 2) there is a vast canvas, a setting that may be the whole world or larger; 3) the plot involves battles involving superhuman deeds or a long, difficult journey; 4) gods or other supernatural beings are interested and involved; 5) there is a ritualized, performative aspect, a style more ceremonial than ordinary speech. …
