Lugalbanda
| Lugalbanda 𒈗𒌉𒁕 | |
|---|---|
| First appearance | c. 2500 BC |
| In-universe information | |
| Occupation | King of Uruk (reigned c. 1,200 years) |
| Spouse | Ninsun |
| Children | Gilgamesh |
Lugalbanda was a deified Sumerian king of Uruk who, according to various sources of Mesopotamian literature, was the father of Gilgamesh. Early sources mention his consort Ninsun and his heroic deeds in an expedition to Aratta by King Enmerkar.
Lugalbanda is listed in the Sumerian King List as the second king of Uruk, saying he ruled for 1,200 years, and providing him with the epithet of the Shepherd. Lugalbanda's historicity is uncertain among scholars. Attempts to date him in the ED II period are based on an amalgamation of data from the epic traditions of the 2nd millennium with unclear archaeological observations.