What were the Sumerian achievements in literature and storytelling?

The Sumerians, who lived in ancient Mesopotamia between the 4th and 3rd millennium BCE, are credited with many important achievements in the field of literature and storytelling. Among their notable contributions were the invention of the first system of writing, the cuneiform script, which enabled them to record their myths, legends, and stories in writing.

One of the most important Sumerian literary works is the Epic of Gilgamesh, an epic poem that tells the story of Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk, and his friend Enkidu. The poem explores themes such as friendship, the nature of death, and the struggle for immortality, and is considered one of the earliest examples of world literature.

In addition to the Epic of Gilgamesh, the Sumerians also wrote many hymns and prayers to their gods, which were often performed as part of religious ceremonies. They also developed a genre of literature known as the lament, which expressed sorrow and mourning for the dead. Sumerian literature also included proverbs, fables, and other forms of popular storytelling.