Comparing Gilgamesh And Homer's Odyssey

How to Treat a God

One of the most fascinating aspects of the ancient epic is the window it provides into the relationship between humans and their gods. Just as the hero of the classical epic represents an embodiment of the ideals of that society, observing the interactions between an epic’s hero and his gods, can provide some of the most revealing insights into the fascinating relationship between a given society and their gods. Through careful analysis of The Epic of Gilgamesh and Homers’ The Odyssey, we learn of similarities between the Greek and Sumerian relationship with their gods, in that both the goddesses Ishtar and Circe are revered, feared, and idolized by the hero; and of the differences between the two empires’ divine relationships, as Odysseus treats Circe much more as one would a human, than

Gilgamesh, rooted in his reverence for the all-mighty Ishtar but at the same time flawed with an unrestrained personality, mistreats Ishtar, and achieves the opposite relationship with Ishtar than Odysseus does with Circe, as a potential ally and infatuated goddess becomes a relentless enemy.

This is only exacerbated when, rather than show any remorse or appeasement of any kind, Gilgamesh with the help of Enkidu tears the Bull of Heaven to shreds, and holds a rally where the citizens of Uruk crowd and applaud Gilgamesh, calling him “finest among young men!” and “proudest among the males!” (Gilgamesh 83). Finally, pouring salt on an already slashed open wound, Gilgamesh holds parties in his palace, celebrating his victory over Ishtar’s wrath.

From this point on the contrast becomes even starker between Gilgamesh’s treatment of Ishtar and Odysseus’ treatment of Circe, because of the difference in each hero’s developing relationship with his