The Origins of Poetry and Gilgamesh

The Origins of Poetry

The critic Terry Eagleton defines a poem as "a fictional, verbally inventive moral statement in which it is the author, rather than the printer or word processor, who decides where the lines should end."

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What makes a piece of writing a "poem"?

The origins of poetry can be traced back to the early stages of human evolution, and several theories have been proposed to explain its development in evolutionary terms.

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The Origins of Poetry

Mnemonic Device: Poetry may have evolved to aid memory and information transmission, using rhyme and rhythm to facilitate memorization of vital stories, laws, or genealogies for group survival and cohesion.

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The Origins of Poetry

Social Bonding and Group Cohesion: Poetry may have reinforced social bonds and group cohesion through shared experiences of group recitations, songs, and chants, essential for early human survival.

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The Origins of Poetry

Emotional Expression and Communication: Poetry could have emerged as a way to express and share complex emotions, ideas, and experiences, fostering social bonding and cooperation.

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The Origins of Poetry

Mate Selection: Evolutionary theorists suggest poetry to evolved to showcase verbal and creative skills in mate selection, signalling intelligence, creativity, and social status, increasing attractiveness to potential mates.

The Origins of Poetry

These theories are not mutually exclusive, and it is likely that a combination of these factors contributed to the evolution of poetry as a distinct form of human expression.

The Origins of Poetry

Multiple Choice

What is NOT a requirement of a poem, according to Terry Eagleton?

• a work of fiction

• An author's autonomy over the poem's structure

• A moral statement

• A structured end to each line

Match

Match the possible poetry development theory to the correct description.

• A way to signal intelligence and creativity to a potential mate

• To aid in memory and information transmission

• A way to express and share complex emotions

• Reinforced group cohesion

Mate selection

Mnemonic Device

Emotional Expression

Social Bonding

• Mate selection

• Mnemonic Device

• Emotional Expression

• Social Bonding

Among the earliest forms of poetry, preserved by generations or oral transmission before being written down, are known as "epics": long narrative poems that typically revolved around the deeds of heroes, gods, and other legendary figures.

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​Oral and Epic

Epics often encompass grand themes, such as the fate of a nation or the origin of a people, conveying the shared history, values, and beliefs of a culture. They make use of elevated language, a geographically expansive setting, and formal structure.

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​Oral and Epic

One of the oldest known poems is the Epic of Gilgamesh which dates back to around 2100 BCE. It originated in ancient Mesopotamia, in the Sumerian culture, and was written in cuneiform script on clay tablets.

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​Epic of Gilgamesh

The poem tells the story of Gilgamesh, the king of the city-state Uruk, and his exploits, including his friendship with Enkidu, a wild man created by the gods, and his quest for immortality.

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​Epic of Gilgamesh

Multiple Choice

What subject do Epic poems usually center around?

• Romantic relationships and personal struggles
• Everyday life and mundane activities
• Scientific discoveries and technological advancements
• Heroic deeds and significant events

Multiple Choice

When was the Epic of Gilgamesh written?

• Around 3000 BCE
• Around 1500 BCE
• Around 1000 BCE
• Around 2100 BCE

Multiple Choice

Who is the main character of the Epic of Gilgamesh?

• Gilgamesh
• Utnapishtim
• Enkidu
• Ishtar

Multiple Choice

What type of ruler was Gilgamesh at the beginning of the story?

• A democratic leader
• A tyrannical ruler
• A passive king
• A benevolent ruler

Multiple Choice

Who becomes Gilgamesh's close friend and adventure companion?

• Humbaba
• Ishtar
• Utnapishtim
• Enkidu

Multiple Choice

 What dangerous creature do Gilgamesh and Enkidu fight in the cedar forest?

• Humbaba
• Minotaur
• Chimera
• Gorgon

Multiple Choice

What event causes Gilgamesh to become afraid of death?

• The birth of Gilgamesh.
• The defeat of Humbaba.
• The prophecy of the gods.
• The death of Enkidu.

Multiple Choice

Who does Gilgamesh seek out to learn the secret of immortality?

• Ishtar
• Utnapishtim
• Enkidu
• Ea

Multiple Choice

What does Utnapishtim challenge Gilgamesh to do to prove he's worthy of immortality?

• Stay awake for six days and seven nights.
• Defeat a mythical beast
• Climb the highest mountain
• Swim across the ocean

Multiple Choice

At the end of the epic, what does Gilgamesh realize is his true legacy?

• His legacy is the size of his kingdom.
• His legacy is the number of battles he wins.
• His legacy is the impact he has on his people and the bonds he forms.
• His legacy is the wealth he accumulates.