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Children's Fiction General

The Last Quest of Gilgamesh

by (author) Ludmila Zeman

Publisher
Tundra
Initial publish date
Apr 1998
Category
General, Ancient Civilizations, General
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9780887763809
    Publish Date
    Apr 1998
    List Price
    $13.99

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Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels

  • Age: 7 to 9
  • Grade: 2 to 4

Description

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.

About the author

Awards

  • Winner, Governor General's Literary Awards - Children's Literature - Illustration

Contributor Notes

Ludmila Zeman was born in the former Czechoslovakia and immigrated to Canada in 1984. She has taught art in Vancouver, created animated sequences for Sesame Street and, with her husband, made the film Lord of the Sky, an award-winning animated short. Her epic Gilgamesh trilogy won numerous awards. Her book, The First Red Maple Leaf, was a finalist for the Governor General’s Award for Illustration.

Editorial Reviews

The Gilgamesh Trilogy:

“A powerful version of the Gilgamesh epic…a stirring and sad tale.”
The New Yorker

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