The epic of Gilgamesh: the oldest tale

As so many historical tales have been lost to the passage of time, it is challenging to identify which is the oldest. The epic poem of Gilgamesh, which is said to have originated in ancient Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq) and dates to roughly 2100 BCE, is one of the oldest narratives still in existence.

Upon the passing of his buddy Enkidu, Gilgamesh, king of Uruk, sets off on a quest for immortality, which is the subject of the poem. He encounters monsters and gods along the road, seeks the counsel of learned men and women, but ultimately realises that death is a natural part of life and that what matters most is the legacy one leaves behind.

The poetry itself was written in cuneiform script on clay tablets and is said to be based on a real-life ruler who ruled in Mesopotamia circa 2700 BCE. The Bible, the Odyssey, and the Aeneid are just a few examples of later writing that have been greatly influenced by this work, which is one of the earliest examples of literature in human history.

The Gilgamesh epic offers insight into ancient Mesopotamian beliefs, morals, and society in addition to being a captivating story of adventure and self-discovery. Its enduring legacy is evidence of the potency of narrative and of people's enduring curiosity about the mysteries of life and death.