Gilgamesh by Simon Armitage review – an ancient epic is brilliantly translated

It was also interesting learning about the role of Poet Laureate, and the stipend. £5,750 per annum, and a barrel of Sherry; the latter being a tradition since 1630.

I love these small slivers of old traditions that are kept up into the modern day.

A very funny and informative book review of Gilgamesh (based on Andrew George’s 2003 edition/translation) by a guest author was recently published at Astral Codex Ten: https://www.astralcodexten.com/p/your-book-review-the-epic-o...

Recommended reading for anyone interested in knowing more about the work.

There is a free Translation by another Author from 1924:

https://www.globalgreyebooks.com/epic-of-gilgamesh-ebook.htm...

I have been wanting to read it. Is this the translation/interpretation I should start with?

> Armitage wisely avoids rhyme, unlike some recent versions – there is no evidence of rhyme in the original text

No rhyme in the original doesn't mean there should be no rhyme in the English. Akkadian and English are different languages. English verse rhymes.

no mention of this bieng an actual translation from the original sumerian in any of the reviews, and the truely epic and laudable journey that is bieng replaced by the sleezy term 'verse translation', ie : hollywood sceen play ready, as that is what could be the most that can be expected from a former probation officer turned the official british royal panegrist.

edit: the songs of innana and other older actual translations of gilgamesh are there for some little peeks into the sumerian world that continues to define ours in so many subtle ways.