A rich text, full of different forms eg letters, use of foreign words, probably performed as well as read.  Clearly popular for hundreds of years as fragments have been found in lots of different places and contexts.

Lots of classic themes – exile, journey through the desert, rescue by tribesmen, defeat of a “mighty man” in single handed combat, making a successful life for himself abroad, but then recognizing the importance of his roots and returning home, welcomed by his king.