The Revenge of Ishtar

The Gilgamesh Trilogy #2

by Ludmila Zeman

In this second volume in the Gilgamesh trilogy, Enkidu joins Gilgamesh in the quest to slay Humbaba, the monster who has attacked the city and caused great destruction, including the death of the beautiful singer, Shamat. Gilgamesh and Enkidu successfully slay the monster and in so doing, Gilgamesh attracts the attention of the goddess Ishtar. In rejecting her advances, he incurs her revenge and an attack by the Bull of Heaven. Enkidu manages to kill the bull, but is slain by Ishtar, striking at the bond between the two friends. Shattered, Gilgamesh vows he will destroy the last death.

Genres: Picture Books, Mythology, History, Ancient History, Childrens, Ancient, Classics

24 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Ludmila Zeman - Filmmaker, illustrator, animator, and writer. Born 1947, in Gottwaldov, Czechoslovakia (now Zlín, Czech Republic); immigrated to Canada, 1984; became Canadian citizen, 1988.

Ludmila Zeman built puppets and painted backgrounds for Karel Zeman's films, including Mr. Prokouk the Acrobat; sold first animated short film to Czech TV at age nineteen; created films for Sesame Street and the National Film Board of Canada. Emily Carr College of Art, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, instructor.

Certificate of Merit, Art Directors Club, and Pick of the List selection, American Booksellers Association, both 1992, and Black-Eyed Susan Picture Book selection, State of Maryland, 1995-96, all for Gilgamesh the King; Gilgamesh the King and The Revenge of Ishtar were both selected for the Illustrators Exhibition at the Bologna Children's Book Fair, 1994; Governor General's Award for Illustration, Canada Council, 1995, for The Last Quest of Gilgamesh.

Reviews

[Kelly Peay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zeman,Ludmilla. The Revenge of Ishtar. (1993). Ludmilla Zeman's retelling of part of the epic adventure of Gilgamesh is fun and engaging. It is a story of friendship, revenge, and loss. The hero king, Gilgamesh and his friend Enkidu, return to the palace of Uruk, bringing with them peace and prosperity - that is until the monster Humbaba caused an earthquake, killing Shamhat. Gilgamesh and Enkidu set off to kill the beast, crossing mountains and deserts until they reach the thick cedar forest where they kill Humbaba. The goddess Ishtar is so taken with Gilgamesh's bravery, that she offers him marriage and riches beyond his imagining. But Gilgamesh rejects the goddess's proposal. Angry, she seeks revenge, ultimately taking his most prized possession - his friendship with Enkidu.
The book is beautifully illustrated in muted jewel tones. Each intricate drawing is framed in ornate engravings, that one might have seen carved into the brick of the palace of Uruk. They help the reader visualize what Mesopotamia may have looked like, while simultaneously moving the plot forward from the defeat of Humbaba and the bull of heaven, to Enkidu's death and assent with Shamkat into heaven, finally to Gilgamesh as he sets off on his last quest - the secret of immortality. I would recommend this book to 4th graders through 8th graders, but especially 6th graders. This would be a great companion book for the 6th grade history unit on Mesopotamia.

[Adrianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great IEW recommended reading to pair with Classical Conversations Cycle 1 Essentials program. We super enjoyed this and look forward to reading the third and last book in this trilogy!

[sunshine · Rating 3 out of 5]

oop
unexpected turn of events

[Ashley Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

A second picture book in the Gilgamesh series. Here, we have a turning point in the tale with the Bull of Heaven and the brutal revenge of the goddess Ishtar.

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

My girls all really like the stories of Gilgamesh and Enkido--surprisingly. This is the second in a series of 3 picture books. I like them because of the historical aspect--these stories are some of the very first stories ever recorded, from Mesopotamia.

[Abril G. Karera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Algunos de los detalles que más disfruté en las ilustraciones de Zeman:
1. Los colores que van hacia el dorado y los amarillos. Para mí hablan de esa época antigua, mágica, solemne por la presencia de los dioses. Pero también muestra el clima que había y hay en esa zona del mundo, un calor excesivo donde una ciudad como la que dirigió Gilgamesh tuvo que haber sido en verdad impresionante para darle a sus habitantes paz y tranquilidad.
2. Vestimentas, joyas, interiores que dan muestra de la ardua investigación de la autora para conocer más sobre la vida de reyes sumerios. Es cierto que Gilgamesh es un ser semidivino, pero asume su papel humano con dignidad. Es posible contemplar las ilustraciones sin sentir que sea suficiente.
3. Las expresiones de los personajes que van de lo divertido, lo triste hasta lo trágico. Si de por sí es una historia emocionante, los detalles reflejados a través de los rostros de los personajes le brinda mayor hondura y ritmo. Disfruté mucho la lectura.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A continuation of Gilgamesh the King. It is folklore with a storyline from Ancient History relics. The book was interesting but needed a little bit more context to be an independent book. I could see confusion in my kids eyes as we flipped pages so I had to slow things down and explain a bit, we didn't have that with the original book.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this story - book #2 of the trilogy - Gilgamesh and Enkidu join forces to conquer a monster that killed their much-loved Shamhat. The goddess Ishtar notices Gilgamesh but becomes angry and vengeful because he rejects her. Through a series of events created by Ishtar, Gilgamesh decides he must find immortality.
Fabulous illustrations.

[superawesomekt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful continuation of Gilgamesh the King. It could lead to good conversations about death and gratitude, loyalty and risk. Looking forward to reading the final book in the series.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great artwork and a solid retelling of part of the Epic. The short sentences and heavy, accentuated language add weight to the prose and give it a metric "feel" even though it isn't. Very well done, fun read aloud.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simplified story of Gilgamesh and Enkidu’s battles against Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven. Also contains the death of Enkidu and Gilgamesh’s plan to seek immortality. An easy way to familiarize children with the elements of one of the oldest stories on earth.

[Gideon · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little confusing for my 7 year old. He remained engaged, but had a ton of questions and I don’t think he ever felt they were resolved in his mind. He gave it 2 stars. I still think it’s a good introduction.

[sch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Homeschool.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, but as the middle book in a trilogy, doesn't stand alone well. Wasn't sure what to make of Ishtar's actions and motivations. Also a little violent for a picture book.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice introduction to the epic of gilgamesh.

[Enola Stevenson]

So much death and destruction! The brood loved the fantastic cliff hanger and can't wait for the conclusion.

[Carissa Janes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good retelling for the classroom. Great pictures.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

CURRICULUM: Veritas
This is in the Veritas 2nd grade curriculum as a great first introduction to the Gilgamesh epic. Read the original later.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Fun way to learn history/mythology with kids! Love the illustrations!

[Alex Klenin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illustrations are really marvelous. Text adaption is suitable for a small children (4th grade or something).

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated addition to the series.

[Lara Lleverino · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second part of the trilogy of the Epic of Gilgamesh in picture book form adapted for young readers.

[Anna Mock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like the illustrations in this little trilogy. I think these books are very well done. I have a couple retellings of Gilgamesh, but this is the best for little children.

[Bill Stutzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A worthy second volume in the Gilgamesh epic retold for kids. Ishtar is shown for the ugly and vindictive goddess she is, and the theme of friendship is nicely developed.

[Chrisanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hum 201 nostalgia. But I'm really questioning the method of delivery(picture book). I need more convincing.

[Ebookwormy1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I continue to think how valuable these books are for boys in particular. The relationships with the lovely Shamhat and the evil Ishtar illuminate challenges that men the world over face in relationship to women. Another thrill was that we are making a Royal Game of Ur board game for homeschool. The endnotes of this book contain patterns taken from the ancient game, and Enkidu and Gilgamesh are playing the game (also known as 20 squares) in the opening scene! So exciting! We were also thrilled to see the Ishtar Gate later in the book, though readers should be aware this gate was built in Babylon, not Uruk in which this book is set.

So many wonderful conversations developed from reading and discussing this book multiple times. Concepts children will need help clarifying:

God or Enkidu?
Who teaches us how to be successful/ righteous humans?
Who gives us courage to face challenges in our lives?
Who comforts and strengthens us when we are afraid?

Why do things like earthquakes, tornados, tsunamis happen?
Why do people die?
What happens to people when they die?

What is Humbaba? Did God create animals like that? when?

Is Ishtar good or evil?
Why is Ishtar angry?
Was Gilgamesh right to refuse her?

What is the secret of immortality?

We found it strange that 'animal friends', as my students called them, are featured in this book prepared as food!

You may have to explain the use of the words "wild asses" on the page where Enkidu and Gilgamesh start their journey.

Other excellent resources include the end note maps and the author's commentary on the last page. My students were fascinated with all three books and eager to look at and read them. Excellent addition to our home library.

There's more!
The Last Quest of Gilgamesh (Gilgamesh Trilogy #3), Zeman, 1995
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Aprilleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another beautifully illustrated children's edition of the Epic of Gilgamesh, this time covering the second part of the story where Gilgamesh and Enkidu have their adventures and anger a jealous goddess. This proves to be their downfall as the goddess, Ishtar, plots her revenge on Gilgamesh for rejecting her and on Enkidu for foiling her first attempt at revenge. The book necessarily glosses over parts of the story for the sake of brevity and clarity, but all of the major elements are there.

Although my son loved the description of the battle with the Bull of Heaven, overall he didn't like this book because it made him sad (four named-character deaths in this part of the story alone, one of whom my son rather liked). Again, I agree with him, but I have the advantage of experience and knowing not all books have a happy ending.

[Lafcadio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes old mythology seems a bit like a kid telling a story, incorporating ridiculous elements as they occur to them. Also, though the themes are supposed to be universal, I have a hard time relating to the motives of many characters.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I think we can all agree the rise of the four ancient river civilizations saw the ascendancy of the patriarchy into fruition, I'm not sure how violently depicted it should be in a children's adaptation. This great book, violent and bloody, retells and recounts Ishtar's revenge for being rejected. One doesn't have to be a Freudian to recognize the conflict between civility/the city/order/masculinity and sexuality/the mythic/chaos/femininity as explored through the raging and lustful Ishtar's maniacal revenge. She's actually boss, and reading this text to your young ones might awaken their inner feminists and also create the added philological query of "Hey, isn't Ishtar very similar to Easter?" And you can say, "Yup. Funny you should mention that, let me tell you ANOTHER story."

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

We totally loved this trilogy. My kids spent hours looking at the pictures and asking me to re-read them.

Granted, it's a violent story so some of you may not want to read it to begin with. But it's handled really nicely and isn't all gory and gross while still retaining the original themes.

The art is done in the style of what has been found during that time which was another way to learn about the time period.

I like to find children's books of classic/adult books and have them read it when they're young. Hopefully when they're older they will better understand the classic works because they are already familiar with the characters and plots.