Reading Guide for Book III

Reading Book III of Gilgamesh

  1. Number the pages of Book III of Gilgamesh before reading.


  1. In your groups, read each page aloud, then highlight the passage that answers each question below. Be sure to discuss what to write in the margins also.
    You are each responsible for having a fully annotated text.

Questions and Annotation Guide:

Page 1
What is the first reason that Gilgamesh gives for wanting to kill Humbaba?

What second reason or goal does Gilgamesh give?

What is Enkidu's most compelling argument for not entering the Cedar Forest?

Page 2
What does Gilgamesh say about death here. Is he afraid of death?

How does Gilgamesh attempt to shame Enkidu into agreeing to go?

Page 3
What third reason does Gilgamesh give for wanting to kill Humbaba? (He gives the reason twice on this page. Be sure to underline both passages.)

Page 4
Enkidu, once again, tries to convince Gilgamesh not to go. What are his two reasons?

What do the elders tell Gilgamesh about his own personality?

Page 5

What view of women's role are we given by Gilgamesh's opinion of his mother?

Page 6

What five things does Ninsun do before she answers Gilgamesh?

How does she describe Gilgamesh?

Page 7-9

Both Ninsun and the Elders ask something of Enkidu. What is it?

For Homework, Read Book IV and Book VIII. I will post reading guides on the blog.

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