This ancient tale is set in Mesopotamia and is rich with characters from Assyro-Babylonian mythology. It is believed to be the oldest documented story on earth written somewhere between 2500 and 2700 BC. The original manuscript was written on clay tablets in the Sumerian language, which are still preserved. In all it has been written as a series spanning twelve volumes and the narration is in poetry. Translations of the original work have been done for literary purposes since very few people are versed with the Sumerian language.

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The story's main character is the King of Uruk, Gilgamesh, who has been described as two thirds god and one-third man. He is depicted as a cruel and arrogant ruler. Gilgamesh has been described as an unstable person to whom a half wild man Enkidu is sent so that he can be over powered. The way the face off between the two has been described is very graphic. Ultimately the two become deep friends and go on many adventures. The theme revolves around his quest for immortality after his close friend Enkidu dies. The story also focuses on his feelings of grief and anguish at losing Enkidu, which are described in detail. It explores the close bond of friendship in a very moving way.