Overview of Ancient Literature

A belief in many gods and goddesses, each with their own unique characteristics, powers, and domains. This belief was prominent in Sumerian civilization.

The oldest surviving epic poem, written in ancient Sumerian, telling the story of Gilgamesh, a king who seeks immortality.

The Sumerian writing system, using wedge-shaped characters pressed into clay tablets.

A narrative structure with a central storyline (main plot) and smaller, connected stories (sub-plots) that add depth and detail.

Sumerian literature often depicted stories featuring a mix of powerful gods, demigods, and heroic individuals.

Ancient writings from regions like China, Egypt, Sumer, India, Japan, and Hebrew.

A collection of ancient Egyptian religious texts dealing with death, burial, and the afterlife.

A long Indian epic poem that narrates the story of the Pandava brothers and their struggle against their cousins, the Kauravas.

A collection of ancient Hebrew scriptures considered sacred by Judaism and Christianity.

A brief outline of the plot, introduces characters and their relationships, setting the stage for the story.

An invocation is a call for inspiration, often directed towards a deity or muse, seeking guidance and blessings for the work.

Describes a major conflict in the story, often involving battles between characters or forces.

When a god or a divine force intervenes in the story, often resolving a conflict or changing the course of events.

The conclusion of the story, often emphasizing the moral lesson or the transformation of the main character.

The first five books of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), including Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

The first five books of the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Torah, deal with creation, the covenant with God, and the law.

The New Testament focuses on the life, teachings, and death of Jesus Christ, as well as the early Christian community.

The four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) present different accounts of Jesus' life and ministry.

The Bible's influence on culture and literature is vast, shaping ideas, values, and artistic expression.