The Archetypal Significance of Gilgamesh: A Modern Ancient Hero [Paperback]

Rivkah Scharf Kulger (Author), H. Yehezkel Kluger (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1991

It was at the instigation of C.G. Jung that Dr. Kluger undertook the interpretation of the Gilgamesh Epic, the oldest known epic-myth. A classic in world literature, it originated in the Sumero-Babylonian culture, a vital root of modern Western civilization. Rich in poetic imagery and archetypal content, it has not lost its meaning for modern man. In this book, based primarily on her seminars at the Zurich Jung Institute, Dr. Kluger deals with the psychological significance of the hero-king’s fateful adventures, from his building of the city walls to his travel to the "Babylonian Noah" in search of immortality, for which her expertise in the fields of comparative religion and Jungian psychology uniquely fit her. In her vivid yet scholarly presentation, she brings alive the implications of the fascinating episodes of this myth both on a personal and on a collective level; the changes of individual consciousness, and its reactions to unconscious (archetypal) contents, the evolving process of individuation, and the development of religion. Using modern dreams and examples from analytic practice, she shows the relevance of this ancient myth for today’s world and its concerns, from sexuality and homosexuality, the role of the feminine and the still living goddess Ishtar, to the current spiritual search of contemporary mankind.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

It was at the instigation of C.G. Jung that Dr. Kluger undertook the interpretation of the Gilgamesh Epic, the oldest known epic-myth. A classic in world literature, it originated in the Sumero-Babylonian culture, a vital root of modern Western civilization. Rich in poetic imagery and archetypal content, it has not lost its meaning for modern man. In this book, based primarily on her seminars at the Zurich Jung Institute, Dr. Kluger deals with the psychological significance of the hero-king’s fateful adventures, from his building of the city walls to his travel to the "Babylonian Noah" in search of immortality, for which her expertise in the fields of comparative religion and Jungian psychology uniquely fit her. In her vivid yet scholarly presentation, she brings alive the implications of the fascinating episodes of this myth both on a personal and on a collective level; the changes of individual consciousness, and its reactions to unconscious (archetypal) contents, the evolving process of individuation, and the development of religion. Using modern dreams and examples from analytic practice, she shows the relevance of this ancient myth for today’s world and its concerns, from sexuality and homosexuality, the role of the feminine and the still living goddess Ishtar, to the current spiritual search of contemporary mankind.

Product Details

• Paperback: 238 pages
• Publisher: Daimon Verlag; ZZZ edition (July 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3856305238
• ISBN-13: 978-3856305239
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,174,789 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Deeper Look Into The Epic, August 7, 2004

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Dave_42 "Dave_42" (Australia) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Archetypal Significance of Gilgamesh: A Modern Ancient Hero (Paperback)

This is an interesting look at the significance of Gilgamesh in relation to other ancient literature. It includes a lot of insightful information on what different parts of the Epic represent in terms of the Sumerian and Babylonian civilizations. For the most part, she uses Alexander Heidel's translation of the epic for her observations. The only weakness of this book as far as I am concerned, is that it was put together after the author's death, and much of it is clearly based on her lectures. I think if she had a chance to organize her materials into book form, the result would have been even better. As it is, this is still a very good resource for those interested in learning more about the Gilgamesh epic.

18 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gilgamesh is a timeless story, October 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Archetypal Significance of Gilgamesh: A Modern Ancient Hero (Paperback)

A well-done book. I had read the Epic of Gilgamesh and always enjoyed it, but now that I am familar with the archetypical aspects I have a much greater understanding of the story. She makes many parallels to other myths which were helpful in a greater understanding. I recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about the psychological aspects of myths and the Gilgamesh Epic in particular.