Final answer:
The statement is false; The Epic of Gilgamesh is not the first written narrative in world history, but it is one of the earliest and most complete epics known today. Enheduanna is recognized as the first known author in history, writing earlier than the Epic.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Gilgamesh is the first example in world history of written narrative or storytelling is false. While The Epic of Gilgamesh is indeed one of the earliest known works of literary narrative, originating around 2100 BCE, it is not the very first. Enheduanna, a Sumerian priestess, is known as the first named author in history with her works predating Gilgamesh's epic. Enheduanna composed hymns to the deities, revealing not only a refined sense of personal devotion but also a significant development in the recording of religious and literary traditions.
The Epic of Gilgamesh describes the adventures of the semi-divine King Gilgamesh of Uruk and touches on themes such as leadership, the human condition, friendship, and the quest for immortality. The text showcases an advanced Mesopotamian society grappling with fundamental human concerns, such as morality and the inevitability of death.
It is also worth noting that the tales within the Hebrew Bible, such as the story of the great flood, show similarities to narratives from the Epic of Gilgamesh, suggesting a tradition of storytelling and literary exchanges between cultures.