Bear in mind ‘The historical Gilgamesh’:

The Sumerian 'Kinglist' names Gilgamesh 5th after the Flood, and archaeological evidence confirms a period of growing dynastic power and many of the names listed.

After the Flood "Meshkiaggasher, son of Utu ...reigned 324 years ...Enmerkar, son of Meshkiaggasher, reigned 420 years as king; Lugalbanda, the Shepherd, reigned 1200 years; Dumuzi, the Fisherman, reigned 100 years; and Gilgamesh, whose father was lillu (nomad? demon?) reigned 126 years."After him his son and successors reigned for eons.

A picture of that historical liberator emerges in ‘Gilgamesh vs. Aga’

1) Read Jacobsen's outline (pp. 195-219) [consult full text, as needed]

2) Why is Aruru called upon to make Enkidu?

3) What does Enkidu represent? (on various levels?)

4) Why does Enkidu go to Uruk? And how does he get on with Gilgamesh?

5) Why do the dynamic duo go after Humbaba (=Huwawa)? How or why do they decide to kill him?

6) What provokes the death of Enkidu?

7) Why does Gilgamesh go the land of Utnapishtim and what does he find there?

8) Briefly summarize Jacobsen's theory on the evolution of this story.