Tundra Books

Retold & Illustrated by Ludmila Zeman

Gilgamesh, half-god and half-man, in his loneliness and isolation becomes a cruel tyrant over the citizens of Uruk. To impress them forever he orders a great wall to be built, driving his people to exhaustion and despair so that they cry to the Sun God for help. In answer, another kind of man, Enkidu, is sent to earth to live among the animals and learn kindness from them. He falls in love with Shamhat, a singer from the temple, and he follows her back to Uruk. There, Enkidu, the “uncivilized” beast from the forest, shows the evil Gilgamesh through friendship what it means to be human.

Softcover, 24 pages.

Recommended by the publisher for ages 7-9 years.

Nest Notes: Recommended by Nest as part of Waldorf pedagogy for children in Grade 5 studying Ancient Mesopotamia.

Published by Tundra Books.

Retold & Illustrated by Ludmila Zeman

In his final quest, Gilgamesh, still mourning the death of his dear friend Enkidu, sets out to find the key to immortality. His journey is perilous. He must fight ferocious serpents and wild lions. He travels through bitterly cold caves, across scorching deserts, and over the fatal waters of the Sea of Death. Finally he arrives at the palace of Utnapishtim, the only human who knows the secret of immortality. Utnapishtim sets Gilgamesh a test to stay away for six days and seven nights, but Gilgamesh fails. His last hope, a flower of eternal youth, is eaten by the goddess Ishtar, who exacts her revenge. Finally, Enkidu comes from the underworld to show Gilgamesh true immortality: the king will be remembered for his good deeds, courage, and love for his people.

Softcover, 24 pages.

Recommended by the publisher for ages 7-9 years.

Nest Notes: Recommended by Nest as part of Waldorf pedagogy for children in Grade 5 studying Ancient Mesopotamia.

Published by Tundra Books.

Retold & Illustrated by Ludmila Zeman

In this second volume in the Gilgamesh trilogy, Enkidu joins Gilgamesh in the quest to slay Humbaba, the monster who has attacked the city and caused great destruction, including the death of the beautiful singer, Shamat. Gilgamesh and Enkidu successfully slay the monster and in so doing, Gilgamesh attracts the attention of the goddess Ishtar. In rejecting her advances, he incurs her revenge and an attack by the Bull of Heaven. Enkidu manages to kill the bull, but is slain by Ishtar, striking at the bond between the two friends. Shattered, Gilgamesh vows he will destroy the last monster: death.

Softcover, 24 pages.

Recommended by the publisher for ages 7-9 years.

Nest Notes: Recommended by Nest as part of Waldorf pedagogy for children in Grade 5 studying Ancient Mesopotamia.

Published by Tundra Books.