Gilgamesh, a Sumerian king – baritone Enkidu, his friend and brother – tenor Priestess at the temple of Ishtar – soprano Rishat, Gilgamesh's mother – mezzo-soprano Ishtar, Sumerian goddess of love and fertility – mezzo-soprano Siduri Sabitu, guardian of entrance to the Garden of Gods – soprano Aruru, Sumerian goddess of creation – soprano Utnapishtim, Gilgamesh's ancestor – bass Utnapishtim's wife – mezzo-soprano Hunter / Ur-Shanabi / Utnapishtim's Sailor – tenor First priest – tenor Second priest – bass Anu, sky god / Ea, god of water and wisdom / Shamash, Sun god – bass Scorpion Man – male voice (speaking role) Scorpion Woman – female voice (speaking role) Humbaba, a demon – robot Snake – dancer People of Uruk, Soldiers, Guard, Priests, Priestesses, virgins in service of Ishtar, dancers