Eureka!

Lugalbanda

Publication Information

Author: Henderson, Kathy

Illustrator: Ray, Jane

Title: Lugalbanda

Date: 2006

Publisher: Candlewick Press

City: Cambridge, MA

ISBN, paperback: 0-7636-2782-8

ISBN, hardback:

Recommended audience:

ABE/ABLE: Yes

ESOL:

Family:

Young Adult:

Picture: Yes

General Information:

Book Type(s): legends, tales, and myths

HSE Descriptor(s): language arts - reading

Summary:

This retelling of the oldest recorded story ever found from Sumer (now Iraq) recounts the journey of a young prince as he crosses the mountains to join a war and find his brothers, overcoming obstacles on his way. The book includes interesting historical information about the story and stunning illustrations.

Teaching Ideas:

The legend/myth of Lugalbanda offers opportunities to study and research the ancient history of Iraq (a.k.a. Mesopotamia, Babylonia, and Sumeria). An historical atlas will help establish the boundaries of ancient and modern Iraq. This 5,000- year-old story was written in cuneiform, perhaps the first recorded language, examples of which can be found at www.upenn.edu/museum/Games/cuneiform.html. Since the illustrator used Sumerian artifacts as a guide, readers may want to view online reproductions to see what motifs she used and how they support the story: www.hp.uab.edu/image_archive/ue/uec.html; and www.dl.ket.org/humanities/connections/class/ancient/mesopart.htm. Readers will want to discuss what characteristics will make Lugalbanda a good king in the future. Students may be interested in what kind of culture existed in ancient Sumeria that is revealed through its religion, art, family relationships, and rulers. Other web sites that provide information on the legend, history and art include: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lugalbanda; www.gatewaytobabylon.com/myths/texts/classic/lugalanzu.htm; and www.piney.com/Bab?Lugalb.html.

Teaching Strategies: