How To Cite The Epic Of Gilgamesh

How to Cite the Epic of Gilgamesh: A Comprehensive Guide

The Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the oldest surviving works of literature, presents unique challenges for citation due to its varied translations, fragmented text, and diverse scholarly interpretations. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the complexities of citing the Epic of Gilgamesh, covering different citation styles and offering best practices for accurate and consistent referencing.

Understanding the Challenges of Citing the Epic of Gilgamesh

Before diving into specific citation formats, it's crucial to understand the challenges inherent in citing this ancient text:

Multiple Translations:

There is no single definitive English translation of the Epic of Gilgamesh. Different translators employ diverse approaches, leading to variations in wording, phrasing, and even interpretation. Your citation must clearly specify the translation you used, not just the "Epic of Gilgamesh" itself.

Fragmentary Nature:

The surviving text of the Epic of Gilgamesh is not complete. Scholars have pieced together fragments from various sources, resulting in occasional discrepancies and uncertainties in the text. This necessitates precise referencing to indicate the specific edition and tablet(s) from which your quote or reference is derived.

Scholarly Interpretations:

The Epic of Gilgamesh is subject to ongoing scholarly debate and reinterpretation. The meaning and significance of certain passages remain contested. When citing, it's essential to acknowledge the scholarly context and avoid misrepresenting interpretations.

Citation Styles: MLA, Chicago, and APA

The most common citation styles are MLA, Chicago, and APA. Each handles the nuances of citing the Epic of Gilgamesh slightly differently. Let's explore each:

MLA (Modern Language Association) Style

MLA style emphasizes brevity and clarity. When citing the Epic of Gilgamesh, you need to provide the following information:

• Author of the Translation: This is the most crucial element. Specify the translator's name as it appears on the title page of your edition.
• Title of the Translation: Include the full title of the translated work, as it appears on the title page.
• Publisher: Provide the publisher's name and location.
• Publication Date: Give the year of publication.
• Page Number(s): If you are citing a specific passage, include the page number(s) where it appears in your edition. For some editions, tablet and line numbers might be more helpful. If provided, include them.

Example:

(Andrew George, The Epic of Gilgamesh, Penguin Classics, 2000, 120).

In-text citation with tablet and line numbers:

The description of Gilgamesh’s strength is legendary ("He was two-thirds god, one-third man," Epic of Gilgamesh, Tablet I, lines 200-205).

Works Cited Entry:

George, Andrew. The Epic of Gilgamesh. Penguin Classics, 2000.

Remember to adapt this based on the specific translation you used.

Chicago Style (Notes and Bibliography)

Chicago style typically employs footnotes or endnotes for citations and a bibliography at the end of your work. For the Epic of Gilgamesh, your footnote might look like this:

Footnote Example:

1. Andrew George, The Epic of Gilgamesh (Penguin Classics, 2000), 120.

Bibliography Entry:

George, Andrew. The Epic of Gilgamesh. Penguin Classics, 2000.

Again, remember to substitute with your chosen translation and relevant details.

APA (American Psychological Association) Style

APA style emphasizes author-date citations. The in-text citation for the Epic of Gilgamesh will include the translator's last name and year of publication, and the page number or tablet/line number if applicable.

In-text citation example:

(George, 2000, p. 120)

or, if using tablet and line numbers:

(George, 2000, Tablet I, lines 200-205)

Reference Entry:

George, A. (2000). The Epic of Gilgamesh. Penguin Classics.

Adapt the example based on your specific translation.

Best Practices for Citing the Epic of Gilgamesh

Regardless of the citation style you choose, follow these best practices:

• Consistency: Maintain consistency in your citation style throughout your work. Don't mix and match different styles.
• Accuracy: Double-check all details, including author names, titles, publication information, and page numbers.
• Specificity: Be as specific as possible. If your translation includes tablet and line numbers, include them.
• Transparency: Clearly indicate any interpretations or editorial choices you've made.
• Multiple Translations: If you've consulted multiple translations, cite each one appropriately. You may even wish to compare specific translations of key passages within your text.
• Scholarly Context: If you're relying on scholarly interpretations of the Epic of Gilgamesh, always cite the relevant scholarly sources. Discussions surrounding the historical context, authorship, and various interpretations are crucial for responsible academic work. This will demonstrate your research and provide your readers with additional materials for further study.
• Use of Secondary Sources: If you are citing the Epic of Gilgamesh through a secondary source, such as a scholarly article or book that discusses the epic, you must cite the secondary source first, and then, if necessary, mention the original text within your citation. This will allow your reader to understand your referencing process, while still being able to find the original source information if they choose to.
• Digital Editions: If using a digital edition, cite it as you would a print edition, but be sure to note the format and the relevant URL or identifier, following your specific style guidelines.
• Translations and Adaptations: Note if you are using a translation specifically aimed at a younger audience or a modern adaptation. The interpretation and target audience may be significantly different, requiring added clarity in your citation.
• Quoting vs. Paraphrasing: Always correctly cite your source even when paraphrasing; using your own words while crediting the author is crucial for academic honesty.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Citation Considerations

For more complex research projects involving the Epic of Gilgamesh, you may need to consider additional factors:

• Ancient Cuneiform Texts: If you are working with the original cuneiform tablets, you’ll need to provide details of the museum or archive holding the tablet, its catalog number, and relevant scholarly publications that transcribe or discuss the text. This is beyond the scope of typical undergraduate papers, but highly relevant for advanced research.
• Multiple Versions of the Epic: Be aware that there are variations and multiple versions of the Epic of Gilgamesh discovered at different sites. Accurate referencing necessitates clarifying which version of the epic you are citing.
• Specific Editions with Commentary: Some editions include substantial commentary and annotations. If you use this commentary in your work, you will need to explicitly cite it.

By carefully following these guidelines, you can ensure that your citations of the Epic of Gilgamesh are accurate, consistent, and meet the standards of scholarly integrity. Remember that precise and detailed citation is essential for demonstrating the validity and credibility of your work. Any academic paper relying on the Epic of Gilgamesh should clearly and correctly cite its sources to showcase rigorous research methods.