Gilgamesh is a figure mentioned in Mesopotamian legend, most prominently in the Epic of Gilgamesh. The name also appears in the Sumerian king List, where Gilgamesh is listed to have ruled Uruk for 126 years.
Overview[]
In the World of Darkness, Gilgamesh is mentioned in conflicting supernatural tales that are difficult to reconcile.
Mage: The Ascension[]
The Celestial Chorus Tradition calls Gilgamesh as one of the first Singers, Exarchs of great power that existed during the First Age and represent an inspiration for their Tradition. Using the original myth as a basis, it is said that Gilgamesh was a man who performed many wondrous acts and sought out immortality in a quest.
He was flawed like any other man, but nevertheless he is considered a hero. It is also said that the First Singers ultimately passed away or were corrupted, so both previous interpretations can be valid too. Other eminent experts in supernatural ancient history, like the Hermetic Winston Brown, believe that Gilgamesh was a mortal man who was later deified by the population of Uruk, who ruled before the Babylonian Infernalists spread.
Werewolf: The Apocalypse[]
According to the Garou, Gilgamesh was offered unlife by vampires, but was talked out of it by a Child of Gaia named Siduri Sabitu. It is said that Gilgamesh was the first human to organize resistance against vampiric rule and the Garou tell that the inborn suspicion against the undead stems from his early influence.
Vampire: The Masquerade[]
- Main article: Gilgamesh (VTM)
Some vampires, specifically Toreador scholars, ascribe the name Gilgamesh to a Gangrel who was Embraced by Ennoia using the name "Enkidu" (according to Toreador lore Ennoia was actually a male). Ishtar had first offered the Embrace to King Gilgamesh, but "Enkidu" was faster and claimed the king as his own. Together they planned to ambush and destroy the Toreador Antediluvian, but she escaped by unleashing the monstrous Bull of Heaven upon them.
References[]
- VTM: Clanbook: Toreador Revised, p. 16
- WTA: Tribebook: Children of Gaia, p. 67
- MTAs: Dead Magic, p. 42
- MTAs: Tradition Book: Celestial Chorus, p. 14