Love in the Epic of Gilgamesh and Genesis

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At an early point in history, The Epic of Gilgamesh and the story of Genesis were two texts that set the framework of the entire world. They were two epics that established the foundations of religion, literature, and all other standards that were followed by every category of people. Both texts entice the audience through antique language, and the stories of epic heroes and immortal gods. Sin-Leqi-Unninni and the many writers of the Bible use love as their central theme, yet it unfolds as having distinguishing effects on all characters throughout both texts. In The Epic of Gilgamesh, the author conveys love as a motivational factor for helping Gilgamesh and other characters transition into better individuals, whereas in the Old Testament, individuals do harm upon others in the name of love in order to follow what is morally correct based on the religious standard.

In The Epic of Gilgamesh, Sin-Leqi Unninni does a magnificent job in conveying how all figures are inspired by the act of love. Enkindu is evidence of someone being manipulated and easily convinced by love. His love for the temple prostitute leads him to fall for the temptations that Uruk provides, and instigates his first experience of initial hate for Gilgamesh. Despite striking him with a feeling of hate, the love for the temple prostitute gives Enkindu the willpower to walk into Uruk and challenge Gilgamesh for power over the town. After competing on the Uruk battleground, the two gigantic men forget their desire for power but rather get entangled in a twisted erotic love. It is through their love that they aspire to beat Humbaba, god of the cedar forest. Enkindu provokes Gilgamesh to transition from a selfish and power-driven figure, to a more enlighten...

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...nother as did Jacob and his brother Esau along with Joseph and his brothers. Enkindu and Gilgamesh embraced the stench of competition to bring them closer rather than draw them apart as did the figures in the bible.

Despite being written in the same proximity of time, The Epic of Gilgamesh and Genesis of the Old Testament are based on the same ideas but are distinguishing in their overall morals. The Epic of Gilgamesh portrays love as a force that brings loved ones closer together in order to overcome the power of immortal gods, whereas, Genesis portrays love as not a strength, but rather a weakness that sets loved ones apart because of an immortal god influencing them. Sin Leqi Unninni is an advocate of love contributing to the good of individuals where the authors of the Bible are more influenced by religion, even if it means overlooking the love for others.

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