Gilgamesh

The Poet Laureate's exhilarating verse translation of the ancient epic poem captures its timeless and immersive power.

'A tour de force . . . likely to become one of the standard renditions in English' Guardian

'You couldn't find a more vivid way into the world's oldest narrative epic than via Poet Laureate Simon Armitage's propulsive new verse translation' Telegraph

'His most ambitious and brilliant creation' Times

'Fantastically readable' Observer

Gilgamesh originated in Ancient Mesopotamia nearly 4,000 years ago, yet its themes of power, loyalty, love and loss resound with contemporary relevance. The eponymous demigod tyrannically rules the kingdom of Uruk. To establish peace, the gods create his counterpart, the wild man Enkidu. The two rivals-turned-comrades embark on a series of extraordinary adventures - note least, battles with Humbaba, ferocious guardian of the Cedar Forest, and the Bull of Heaven. After tragedy strikes, Gilgamesh sets out alone on a desperate quest for immortality that leads him to the very edge of the world . . .

Simon Armitage's fresh and propulsive version brings Gilgamesh alive as poetry. He harnesses the rhythm of its orchestrated language and conjures a sense of poetic wholeness while honouring its inherent fragmentation. Enhanced by illuminating commentary, this accomplished translation transports us back to the very origins of civilisation and storytelling.