[Lawtan]

24. The Epic of Gilgamesh

One of the earliest works in existence, the Epic of Gilgamesh does not suffer for it as an ill-developed work. Centering around civilization of the wild man Enkidu, and the humanization of the arrogant, vile God-King Gilgamesh, the first half of the Epic Poem works like Beowulf, fighting the beast Humbaba, spurning the goddess Inanna, and saving Ur from her wrath (a Boar). It also depicts the Sumerian culture's treatment of priestesses of love, and sort of mixes Enkidu and Gilgamesh...and Enkidu and a priestess of Inanna...

However, death spurs a ravening madness in fear of death and its mystery. The most memorable scene between Gilgamesh and a common Bar-lady takes place. You have the first example of the immortal snake, and tales of a Flood. There are also Scorpion Men.

The characters seem so...human in personality, even if their feats are superhuman.

Overall, it is one of the most memorable things I have ever read, even though it is Beowulf-level weird wording.

@AutobotDen - I sailed on a ship named after Don Quixote for a week. xD