I've only read two children's retellings of the Gilgamesh epic, and I _really_ prefer Ludmilla Zeman's trilogy [https://www.librarything.com/nseries/28054/The-Gilgamesh-Trilogy]. Zeman's illustrations are playful and cleverly incorporate Sumerian and Assyrian influences and artifacts; David Perkins, the illustrator of this book, shows Gilgamesh in some kind of corset and a diaphanous skirt. Both authors interpret the original texts quite a lot, as far as I can tell, but in "Gilgamesh the King", Gilgamesh devises a baby nickname for his friend because he is dying, but address him as "man" beforehand, "Come on, man! Heroes like us aren't afraid of anything, are we?" This is a bit tiresome, really. ( )

398.2

The story of Gilgamesh, King of Uruk, slayer of Huwawa and the Bull of Heaven, and his great friend, Enkidu. In a version I could actually understand! I tried a more "direct" translation, but whooee was it a tough read. So I checked this version out, the same one my 10 year old daughter is reading for school, and though the story is still a bit all over the place, I could actually follow it! Gotta keep up with my girl!

The coolest part of this read was the ark story, and how much it seems the Bible ark story copied it. Just substitute the name "Utnapishtim" for the name "Noah" and it seems pretty much the same! But this one came first! Food for thought...

I'm glad that I read this, even more so that I can help with my daughter's homework. And even though I couldn't make it through the more difficult translation, I can now saw I've read "the oldest recorded story in the world"!

And as for Gilgamesh? “He walked through the darkness and so glimpsed the light.” ( )

Easy, enjoyable read - especially for someone unfamiliar with the stories of Gilgamesh. An interesting turn on the myth of the hero's quest. In Gilgamesh's case, he was on a quest for immortality.

I also liked the illustrations. ( )

Gilgamesh came up via a Crash Course World History video on Mesopotamia and the boy was intrigued, especially after learning that it is the OLDEST BOOK. EVER. McCaughrean's re-telling is exciting and poetic and super fun to read aloud. Even if Gilgamesh comes across as the world's first Dude King at the outset. ( )