Gilgamesh (ギルガメッシュ, Girugamesshu) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Shotaro Ishinomori. It was serialized in the Shōnen Gahōsha magazine Weekly Shōnen King from 1976 to 1978. A dark and apocalyptic anime series based on the original story was adapted by Group TAC in 2003. Gilgamesh is set in the super present and the plot revolves around characters who can be divided into four groups: The Countess and the Orga-Superior, the Mitleid Corporation, the siblings, and the Gilgamesh. With the development of the plot, the past and motives of the characters and their relationships with one another are exposed.
The 26-episode anime television series was the first directed by Masahiko Murata, with music by Kaoru Wada. It was created by Group TAC, and it aired on Kansai TV from October 2, 2003 to March 18, 2004. The series received generally positive reviews and was subsequently translated, released on DVD and aired in several other countries, including the United States.
Once the oppressor
Of Uruk harsh king
Then strongest man that ever was
Friends to Enkidu, the savage wise man
They stood together
Perform many deeds
The Demon, they killed
The bull sent by Ishtar’s wrath
He saw the great Mystery
He knew the Hidden
He recovered the knowledge of all times
Before the Hood
He met Utnapishtim
The Living One
Fried to uncover the secret of life
Yet at once
He found Himself
Old and weak
Mortal man
Gained nothing, but pain
He knees and weeps
He saw the great Mystery
He knew the Hidden
He recovered the knowledge of all times
Before the Hood
He journeyed beyond the distant
Journeyed beyond exhaustion
Gilgamesh, half human half God
Carved his story on stone
Woe to me! What can I do now?
Death is all around me
Death has devoured my body my flesh
I lost my immortality
O Goddess! My Mother!
Outstretch your hand!
Save me from these pains!
We to me! What can I do now?
Wherever I look there stands death
Gilgamesh! – He’s the one
He’s the one who saw things secret
Gilgamesh! – He’s the one
He’s the one who heard The Story
Lord of wisdom, he saw the abyss
And brought back words of the Hood