The Ur-Pisode: The Queer Heart of The Epic of Gilgamesh, ft. Julian Gunn

For 4000 years, The Epic of Gilgamesh has influenced mythology, theology, and literature, and its rediscovery in the 1850s is itself an epic tale of war, theft, and Hobby Lobby. A meditation on love and death, rage and grief, civilization and nature, starring two problematic queer frat boys, it is the foundation of so many of our stories. In this episode, we talk to poet, artist, and essayist Julian Gunn about the story that started it all. Show Notes:

• • Gilgamesh, A King, At Uruk (Star Trek: The Next Generation, “Darmok”)

• • What makes the world’s first bar joke funny? No one knows.

• • @radiantfracture on instagram

• • Julian’s blog

• • Julian’s games

• • Victoria Festival of Authors

• • The Epic of Gilgamesh, translated by Maureen Kovacs

• • The Epic of Gilgamesh, translated by Andrew George

• • The Epic of Gilgamesh, translated by Sophus Helle

If you haven’t had enough problematic gays raging against the gods by the end of this episode, you might enjoy Rachel’s new novel, Blight! Buy it from your favourite online bookstore or directly from the publisher. Also, voting for the Aurora Awards opens June 7th! You can vote for us. Or other people. But please vote for us.