Activity Overview
The Epic of Gilgamesh was an epic poem considered the world’s first work of literature, about a Sumerian King who went on many adventures, written in cuneiform on 12 clay tablets in 2100 BCE.
While the entire work is too mature for most students, there are videos, and summaries of simplified versions that focus on Gilgamesh’s main adventures with his friend Enkidu.
Giving students a graphic organizer to fill in as they read is helpful to pick out the most important facts and details.
After students conduct their research and fill out a note-taking sheet or graphic organizer, students can create a poster using a template from Storyboard That with images and text that highlight the key events from the story.
Find more biography poster templates to add to this assignment if desired!
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: After learning about the Epic of Gilgamesh create a poster that includes important details and engaging imagery.
Student Instructions:
- On the poster, include Gilgamesh’s name and dates and the major details of the story in order of occurrence.
- Add appropriate scenes, characters and items to illustrate each cell. To find images related to ancient Mesopotamia, type “Mesopotamia” into the search bar.
Requirements: Gilgamesh’s image, name, and major details in order of occurrence.
Lesson Plan Reference
- [ELA-Literacy/W/9-10/2] Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content
- [ELA-Literacy/W/9-10/6] Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products, taking advantage of technology’s capacity to link to other information and to display information flexibly and dynamically
- [ELA-Literacy/W/9-10/7] Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation
How To Help Students Study the Epic of Gilgamesh
Use Easy Explanations
Introduce students to the concept of epics and how they depict the journey of a heroic figure. Before starting on the Epic of Gilgamesh, teachers can give an introduction to epics, how they are written, and what they are trying to tell. Once students are more familiar with the concept, teachers can begin the explanation of Epic the of Gilgamesh and tell the students how it is the world’s first work of literature.
Utilize Visual Elements
Students will be able to learn better from visual elements such as pictures and animated videos available on the internet. Since the original text will be completely incomprehensible for students, teachers can use some simplified material and explain the topic with the help of visual elements.
Identify Themes and Ideas
Identifying and analyzing themes and central ideas are crucial parts of literature. Students can identify the central ideas present in this epic and try to find out the moral lesson the epic is trying to convey. These ideas will help the students understand the epic on a deeper level and enhance their analysis skills.
Make Storyboards
Once the students have understood the story and are familiar with Gilgamesh’s journey, they can make a storyboard to summarize the story from their perspective with the help of some interesting elements. Students can use online platforms such as Storyboard That for this activity or make the storyboards by hand.
Give Interesting Projects
Encourage students to do creative activities like writing contemporary adaptations, making art, or producing music based on the epic's ideas and characters. Students can also prepare a script for this epic and role-play in front of an audience as it will enhance their understanding of the characters and give perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Epic of Gilgamesh and Making a Poster
Who are the key characters in the Epic of Gilgamesh?
The two primary protagonists are Enkidu, a god-created beast who was supposed to defeat Gilgamesh but failed, and Gilgamesh, the ruler of Uruk. Ishtar, Utnapishtim, and Shamhat are among the other important characters in the story who become part of Gilgamesh’s heroic journey.
How is the notion of immortality explored in the epic?
Following Enkidu's death, Gilgamesh pursues immortality. His journey leads him to Utnapishtim, who emphasizes the inevitable nature of death by narrating the tale of the Great Flood and the key to immortality.
How can students accurately depict the historical context of the epic on the poster?
Students can provide a timeline or map that shows Mesopotamia's historical background. To highlight the epic's historical context, they can also use pictures of antiquities like cuneiform tablets and display items which were primarily from Ancient Mesopotamia.
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