The epic of Gilgamesh predates the Iliad by a thousand years. Gilgamesh was a tragic figure so concerned with death that he found it hard to live. Yet he did many great deeds and was revered as a historical figure which he undoubtedly was who was, a great warrior and the consort of the Goddess Inanna. Between them they safeguarded the kingdom. The need for power, the arrogance it brings and the need for balance between men and women are all portrayed in this early tale of one of the first communities of "civilized" humankind.Silverberg remains faithful to his sources while providing a believable account of the life of our first fantasy hero.
