In Sumerian cuneiform from ancient Babylon (c. 2000 BC) comes Gilgamesh, the world’s oldest written narrative. Professor Albert Lafarge passes along questions and student answers for a Literary Traditions quiz on this story pitting life against death. Read the whole quiz here. Or try the first question below.

Question 1. How does Gilgamesh react when Ishtar comes on to him?

Student Answers: Ishtar asks for Gilgamesh’s hand in marriage (and sperm) .. Over the top! “You are the door through which the cold gets in” (Ferry, p. 30) … Gilgamesh says she manipulates men for their seed then they end up dead …Gilgamesh talks about how Ishtar has screwed over all her exes … She is not faithful to them and kills them, or dominates their destiny … [Gilgamesh says] she is “a flimsy door that keeps out neither wind nor draught” .. he continues to insult her .. instead of just saying no and moving on .. to me, this seems a little excessive .. could have been done with a simple no …Gilgamesh was unenthused and rejected her snarkily … [he] starts listing people she’s messed with and tells her he isn’t interested in getting his life ruined … This contradicts his previous and almost uncontrollable behaviors towards women and shows how truly powerful he is and can be. Ishtar is not pleased … she has been unacceptably controlling to past lovers and Gilgamesh asks why he should expect to have any better luck with her. This spewing of blatant truth shocks and angers Ishtar … He rips into her + calls her out on her poor past behaviors.

“Gilgamesh, where are you hurrying to? You will never find that life for which you are looking…” And did they sing the story of Gilgamesh…plunked on a  lyre…when stars lit the sky like fireflies…four thousand  ago? Listen here.