I find the Sumerian mythology interesting because of the influence that it had on the religions we are familiar with. The Hebrews were influenced by these myths during their Babylonian captivity. The concept of a Lord of Light and a Lord of Darkness influenced the Jewish concepts of God and the devil. The further evolution of these ideas is seen in Mithraic and Persian beliefs which had a influence on Christianity. The area described in this post also influenced concepts of the Garden of Eden with it's elaborate gardens. While Gilgamesh's only relation to the bible may be the flood stories the whole area gives birth to so many figures found in the bible. If anybody is interested in astrology there is a interesting connection between the epics of Gilgamesh and the signs of the Zodiac, if you give any credence to Robert Graves. This was a very nice post, I like the archaeological and historical ones.
Gilgamesh tries to be a savior to his people. He tries to bring them a flower that will give a man eternal life--as a human being. A snake steals the flower, eats it, and immediately sheds his skin.
I think this idea of being a savior who brings eternal life very much foreshadows what is in the Bible.
Gilgamesh does act as a kind of savior because he built a wall that protected his city and people. The narrator says the wall still stands. It's mostly gone now, I suppose.
See my post #90.