What happens when one of the oldest stories in human history gets a mischievous grin?
The Funny Epic of Gilgamesh is a playful, fast-paced retelling of the legendary Mesopotamian epic—reimagined with humor, heart, and a strong sense of adventure. Set in the vibrant ancient city of Uruk, the story follows King Gilgamesh not as a distant myth carved in stone, but as a bold, impulsive, and thoroughly human ruler who is just as likely to cause chaos as he is to inspire greatness.
This version keeps the grandeur of ancient Mesopotamia—ziggurats, palace intrigue, prophecies, royal duties, and legendary challenges—while infusing it with sharp wit, lively dialogue, and laugh-out-loud moments. Gods, omens, and destiny still loom large, but they share the stage with sibling banter, political mishaps, absurd competitions, and unexpected comedy.
At its core, the book is about adventure and legacy, but it is also about friendship, loyalty, family dynamics, and the cost of ambition. Gilgamesh is surrounded by a memorable cast:
a wise but perpetually stressed vizier,
a fiercely intelligent and outspoken sister,
a loyal companion whose strength is matched by heart,
and even a few animal troublemakers who seem determined to make every serious moment ridiculous.
Rather than retelling the epic as a grim heroic saga, this story invites readers to laugh their way through history while still honoring the importance of myth, storytelling, and cultural heritage. Ancient challenges become exciting rather than intimidating, and legendary figures feel approachable, flawed, and relatable.
Perfect for middle-grade readers, families, classrooms, and adults who enjoy clever humor, The Funny Epic of Gilgamesh makes one of humanity’s oldest tales feel fresh, accessible, and genuinely fun—without sacrificing its mythic roots. It’s an epic where destiny calls…
and sometimes gets put on hold because someone threw a watermelon seed.
Would you survive a week in Gilgamesh's Uruk? Between the King’s impulsive quests ad his mascot, it’s a lot to handle. Join the adventure today!