Gilgamesh, Assyrian
Possible representation of Gilgamesh as Master of Animals, grasping a lion in his left arm and snake in his right hand, in an Assyrian palace relief (713–706 BC), from Dur-Sharrukin, now held in the Louvre
The figures in Assyrian art were generally shown in profile, so this frontal depiction is unusual: this male figure over 5 meters, (16.5 feet) in height, effortlessly choking a furious lion, is a symbol of the king’s omnipotence. The hero has sometimes been identified with Gilgamesh, king of Uruk, whose legendary exploits are recounted in the oldest known texts and were popular throughout the ancient Middle East.
The epic is regarded as a foundational work in religion and the tradition of heroic sagas, with Gilgamesh forming the prototype for later heroes like Heracles (Hercules) and the epic itself serving as an influence for Homeric epics. It has been translated into many languages and is featured in several works of popular fiction.
Gilgamesh, Assyrian
Possible representation of Gilgamesh as Master of Animals, grasping a lion in his left arm and snake in his right hand, in an Assyrian palace relief (713–706 BC), from Dur-Sharrukin, now held in the Louvre
The figures in Assyrian art were generally shown in profile, so this frontal depiction is unusual: this male figure over 5 meters, (16.5 feet) in height, effortlessly choking a furious lion, is a symbol of the king’s omnipotence. The hero has sometimes been identified with Gilgamesh, king of Uruk, whose legendary exploits are recounted in the oldest known texts and were popular throughout the ancient Middle East.
The epic is regarded as a foundational work in religion and the tradition of heroic sagas, with Gilgamesh forming the prototype for later heroes like Heracles (Hercules) and the epic itself serving as an influence for Homeric epics. It has been translated into many languages and is featured in several works of popular fiction.