Humanity knows very few people who stood at the origins of earthly civilization. And the most famous of them is King Gilgamesh - the great hero of Mesopotamia, a tireless traveler, a loyal friend and a fearless fighter who knew how to maintain dignity even when he was defeated. This novel is the story of the transformation of an impetuous youth into a brilliant warrior and ruler, whose name has survived the hoary era of legends ancient Sumer.