The last quest of Gilgamesh

by Ludmila Zeman

Paper Book, 1996

Status

Available

Call number

ANC.MESO

Publication

Toronto : Tundra Books, 1996.

Description

In his final quest, Gilgamesh, still mourning the death of his dear friend Enkidu, sets out to find the key to immortality. His journey is perilous. He must fight ferocious serpents and wild lions. He travels through bitterly cold caves, across scorching deserts, and over the fatal waters of the Sea of Death. Finally he arrives at the palace of Utnapishtim, the only human who knows the secret of immortality. Utnapishtim sets Gilgamesh a test to stay away for six days and seven nights, but Gilgamesh fails. His last hope, a flower of eternal youth, is eaten by the goddess Ishtar, who exacts her revenge. Finally, Enkidu comes from the underworld to show Gilgamesh true immortality: the king will be remembered for his good deeds, courage, and love for his people.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member crashingwaves38
I really enjoyed reading this story. it reminded me of the first time I read Gilgamesh myself, and how the story really captured my imagination. My daughter asked me quesitons at each page--"What's that, Mama?" "What are those bones doing there?" and that sort of thing. It really engaged her, and
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she enjoyed it immensely.

The only reason I wouldn't recommend this book is if you have a child who's very easily scared--there are bones that float in the water and that sort of thing, so a child who scares easily wouldn't find this a fun book.
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LibraryThing member RuthFinnigan
The last part of the triliogy of Gilgamesh stories, this is a very detailed part of the story. I think it may be a bit dark for younger ages, but with illustrations and story line can be a introduction into mythology.
LibraryThing member themulhern
Very much in the spirit of the prior two books. The illustrations use a suitably darker palette. Zeman interprets the lion in the famous Gilgamesh statue as a companion, not an adversary. The story is even more loosely interpreted or less close to the canonical version, as Enkidu returns to comfort
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Gilgamesh while the boatman and Gilgamesh's destructive violence is omitted entirely. The expressions on the lion cub's face are entertaining.
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Language

ISBN

0887763804 / 9780887763809

Barcode

11122

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