Our friend Patrick Flynn, who nominated The Epic of Gilgamesh (in Andrew George's translation) for our reading list, offers the following observations as we prepare for our March 17 discussion (which fellow Gilgamesh enthusiast and founding BookMen member Bill Malone will facilitate):
"The Epic of Gilgamesh is a monument of Western literature for several reasons. But my particular interest in the nature of Gilgamesh's sexuality and what it says about ancient Near Eastern attitudes recommended Andrew George's translation above the more literary versions. Although appreciations of the epic vary from person to person, one should start with an accurate reading of the original. Recent scholarship by Assyrilogists is that starting point, even if it's challenging for the modern reader. In addition to George's translation, I've found one by Benjamin R. Foster worth considering because it is not only accurate, but perhaps more readable (and provides stylistic background). For example, the same passage from the standard version is translated as follows:
Wild-Cow Ninsun was clever and wise, well versed in everything, she said to Gilgamesh:
"My son, the ax you saw is a friend, like a wife you'll love him, caress and embrace him
And I, Ninsun, shall make him your equal. A mighty comrade will come to you, and be his
friend's savior."... [George I, 288 ff.]
The wild cow Ninsun knowing and wise, who understands everything, said to Gilgamesh:
"My son, the axe you saw is a man. Your loving it like a woman and caressing it
And my making it your partner [means] there will come to you a strong one,
A companion who rescues a friend. ... [Foster I, 298 ff.]
It is also worth noting that in his introduction, Foster points out that "axe" is a wordplay for "female impersonator." Your choice of rendering is personal, of course, and diverse readings will also be interesting when we discuss the book."
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