Enumerate 12 most influential literary works of the world?

Choosing just 12 "most influential" literary works is incredibly subjective and depends heavily on what criteria you prioritize: impact on culture, literary innovation, philosophical depth, etc. However, here are 12 works that have consistently been recognized for their significant influence, across various categories:

1. The Epic of Gilgamesh (c. 2100 BCE): The oldest surviving great work of literature, it explores themes of mortality, friendship, and the search for meaning.

2. The Iliad and The Odyssey (c. 8th century BCE, attributed to Homer): These epic poems shaped Western literature and mythology, influencing everything from Shakespeare to modern fantasy.

3. The Bible (c. 4th century BCE – 2nd century CE): The foundation of Christianity, it's one of the most widely read and influential books in history, shaping morality, art, and culture.

4. The Bhagavad Gita (c. 200 BCE – 200 CE): A central text of Hinduism, it explores themes of duty, spirituality, and the nature of reality.

5. The Analects of Confucius (c. 5th century BCE): This collection of Confucius's teachings established a moral and ethical framework for Chinese society and influenced East Asian thought for centuries.

6. The Republic by Plato (c. 4th century BCE): A foundational text of Western philosophy, it examines justice, virtue, and the ideal state.

7. The Aeneid by Virgil (c. 1st century BCE): A Roman epic poem that influenced Dante's *Divine Comedy* and other works of literature.

8. The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 14th century): A collection of stories told by pilgrims on their way to Canterbury, it established English as a literary language and introduced a realistic style of writing.

9. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes (1605): This satirical novel, considered the first modern novel, explores themes of idealism, madness, and the nature of reality.

10. Hamlet by William Shakespeare (c. 1603): One of the most famous plays ever written, *Hamlet* explores themes of revenge, madness, and the human condition.

11. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (1818): This groundbreaking novel explores themes of scientific ethics, creation, and the dangers of playing God.

12. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez (1967): A masterpiece of magical realism, it revolutionized storytelling with its rich, fantastical, and multi-generational narrative.

Note: This list is not exhaustive, and the order is not a ranking of influence. Many other works could be included, and the choice ultimately depends on the criteria used to define "influence."