Comparing Women In The Odyssey And Gilgamesh

The Odyssey and Gilgamesh share a number of interesting pieces to their epics such as heroism, tragedy, and battles. The Odyssey and Gilgamesh fit well into the idea of epics. In both epics, there are numerous battles won that show the true heroism of the protagonists. Unfortunately, in Gilgamesh, we see the suffering and death of one main protagonist showing us tragedy. One similarity they share that is out of the ordinary is the women in these tales. There are numerous women in both of these epics and there is one thing they all have in common which is the power they have over men. Many of the women in these epics either use their bodies to deceive and distract men or they use mind games. When these men fall for the women, their mind plays tricks on them because they are so caught up in what they are seeing and hearing that they do not realize that their decisions may be swayed. The epics portray women as objects that use their sexuality, charm, and wisdom to pursue the men to make a decision with an outcome favorable to them.

Enkidu lived his life in harmony with all the animals and beasts inhabiting the wilderness.

He was content and never found himself longing for additional meaning or purpose until Gilgamesh sent the harlot as a lure to bring Enkidu into the city. The trapper told the harlot, "When he comes near uncover yourself and lie with him; teach him, the savage man, your
woman's art, for when he murmurs love to you the wild beasts that shared his life in the hills will
reject him." The harlot immediately did as she was told because a woman should not disobey a command from a man. Gilgamesh uses this woman in the same way that we use a worm to catch a fish. Enkidu immediately falls for the harlot because he has never been with a woman in a sexual manner and when he does he is completely awestruck by her beauty and seduction. Although Enkidu has no idea what going to the city will entail, he is determined to be with the

harlot.
After Odysseus returns to Ithaca he wanted to prove to the suitors, he is still the strongest and is still in charge. When Odysseus sees all the suitors in his quarters, an all-out battle breaks out. Athena comes to Odysseus disguised as a mentor and encourages him to fight by testing him, "Where's it gone, Odysseus - your power, your fighting heart? The great soldier who fought for famous white-armed Helen, battling Trojans nine long years- nonstop, no mercy, mowing their armies down in grueling battle." Athena knows Odysseus well enough to understand that belittling him as a fighter is a simple way to draw an immense rage out of him. Odysseus immediately made the decision to fight harder and kill more suitors because Athena was able to drive him into a deeper rage.
Both men are prime examples of how women can be viewed and portrayed in epics.
Enkidu is so mesmerized by the harlot that he completely leaves his life behind and goes to the city in hopes of being with this woman. Odysseus returned to Ithaca and was very angry with the suitors, but his rage was not maximized until the god Athena got inside his head causing him to go on a complete killing massacre. These are only two examples of the numerous women portrayed in The Odyssey and Gilgamesh where countless women have used their knowledge and sexuality to overpower some of the greatest and most authoritative heroes of their time.