Epic of Gilgamesh: Western Literature? a lecture by John Bowers

What is the oldest literary epic in the Western canon? How did it influence the development of Western literature and culture? How does it relate to other ancient works such as the Bible and Homer's Odyssey? These are some of the questions that Professor John M. Bowers explores in this fascinating lecture on the Epic of Gilgamesh.

The Epic of Gilgamesh is a 5,000-year-old Mesopotamian poem that tells the story of Gilgamesh, a legendary king of Uruk, and his quest for immortality. Along the way, he encounters monsters, gods, and his loyal friend Enkidu, who dies tragically. The poem deals with themes such as friendship, mortality, heroism, and the meaning of life.

In this lecture, Professor Bowers examines the historical and literary context of the Epic of Gilgamesh, its structure and style, and its impact on later works of Western literature. He also compares and contrasts the Epic of Gilgamesh with other ancient texts, such as the Bible and Homer's Odyssey, and shows how they share common motifs and values.

By the end of this lecture, you will have a deeper appreciation of the Epic of Gilgamesh as a masterpiece of world literature and a source of inspiration for generations of writers and readers.

To learn more about Professor Bowers and his course on the Western Literary Canon in Context, visit [The Great Courses](https://www.thegreatcourses.com/courses/western-literary-canon-in-context) or check out his book [The Western Literary Canon in Context](https://archive.org/details/westernliteraryc0000bowe).