Simon Armitage, the current Poet Laureate, recently discussed his new translation of the ancient epic 'Gilgamesh' during an interview on The Independent’s The Talk Show with editor-in-chief Geordie Greig. He described the story, which features a powerful king, supernatural rivals, and themes of friendship, adventure, and grief, as not just an ancient tale but a deeply modern narrative about mortality.
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Having spent four to five years working on this translation, published by Faber & Faber, Armitage emphasized that 'Gilgamesh' grapples with human grief in a poignant way, especially after the death of the hero’s companion, Enkidu. The story, originally inscribed in cuneiform on clay tablets in ancient Mesopotamia, was nearly lost to history until its rediscovery in the 19th century. Armitage shared an anecdote about scholar George Smith, who became so excited upon finding fragments related to the epic that he ran around the British Museum in ecstasy.
Armitage aims to democratize poetry, advocating for old texts to be accessible to a wider audience rather than relegated to dusty corners of libraries. He believes that anyone should be able to pick up his translated work and derive meaning from it.
Born in 1963 in West Yorkshire, Armitage described his upbringing in a humorous household with a father who was a probation officer and playwright. His own career path started in probation services before transitioning to poetry, and he reflected on his father’s initial concern about his decision to pursue a less conventional career.
As Poet Laureate since 2019, Armitage has written poems commemorating events of national significance, including the deaths of Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II. He views his role not merely as ceremonial but as an opportunity to engage with the public and respond to contemporary events through poetry.
Armitage stressed the importance of daydreaming in the creative process, advocating for its inclusion in educational curricula. He argued that modern life often stifles this practice, which is crucial for nurturing creativity. Reflecting on the emotional weight of his father’s passing, he noted how loss alters family dynamics and personal perspectives.
Through poetry, Armitage seeks to explore and articulate the complexities of human experience, believing that good poetry can evoke genuine emotion without succumbing to sentimentality. His journey from a probation officer to a prominent poet reflects his commitment to making poetry a living and relatable art form, demonstrating its power to resonate across time and space.