“I will proclaim to the world the deeds of Gilgamesh.”

— Epic of Gilgamesh, Prologue, Tablet I, tr. N. K. Sandars (1960, 1972)

About Epic of Gilgamesh

Ancient Mesopotamian epic poem, among the earliest surviving works of literature.

“Cherish the children your love gave life.”

“This was the man to whom all things were known; this was the king who knew the countries of the world.”

“He was wise, he saw mysteries and knew secret things, he brought us a tale of the days before the flood.”

“Let whatever appears to be the best be to you an inviolable law.”

“Lord, what fools these mortals be!”

“All that glisters is not gold.”

“Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.”

“And one man in his time plays many parts.”

“Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice.”