Epic Of Gilphash: Themes In The Epic Of Gilgamesh

2151 Words5 Pages

Mandeep Singh The Epic of Gilgamesh is about the King of Uruk, Gilgamesh, who is two-thirds god and one-third man. This story teaches people that life is always changing and it influences us immensely. Several themes are put forth in this story. One theme is love. Enkidu’s love in friendship changed Gilgamesh for the better. This epic shows that interactions with gods (divine) are dangerous because they disapprove the fact that they are being challenged. Another theme is death and immortality. Enkidu dies and this leaves Gilgamesh heartbroken. He wants to avoid his death so starts out to find Utnapishtim. The gods had granted him (Utnapishtim) an eternal life after the flood. However, we learn to accept death and acknowledge that humans …show more content…

His subjects were instilled with a feeling of fear and distrust. When he came to power as a king, he treated the people of Uruk very bad. He was a tyrant and showed no caring emotions towards his people. He forced labor on them and built the city. Afterwards, he let the city deteriorate. He raped women that he was attracted to. He slept with virgin brides even before their husbands were allowed to, which was very unfair. Everyone grumbled because of his brutality. A king’s rightful responsibility was to protect the people of his city and to not abuse his powers. After listening to the requests of the people of Uruk, the gods created Enkidu. He was just as great and strong as Gilgamesh. He lived with the animals, drinking their milk and staying in the meadows. A hunter sent a prostitute to “civilize” him and make him a human being. Enkidu sleeps with her and the animals no longer accept him. Enkidu goes to Uruk to challenge Gilgamesh and his cruel rule. He stops Gilgamesh from harassing a bride. The story very clearly presents the feelings of the people towards their king at this scene, when the people begin to cheer for Enkidu, who is fighting against their king. It is shown that the people of Uruk do not have respect for their ruler. Later, Gilgamesh and Enkidu make matters up and become really close with each other. Gilgamesh changes and becomes a better ruler. Gilgamesh and Enkidu decide to kill Humbaba, who guards the …show more content…

For example, “the gods have said that one of us must die, because we killed Humbaba and the Bull of Heavens… But Shamash spoke for me and called me innocent,” 4 (Mason, 1970) pg 46 shows when Shamash, Gilgamesh’s protector tries to plead other gods for Enkidu’s life, they ignore it and let him suffer. Enkidu suffers and eventually dies from an illness, leaving Gilgamesh heartbroken. The interactions between the divine and the mundane show a sense of inferiority and superiority. The gods are very superior and get their ways, while the people have to obey them. For example, the gods decided Enkidu’s death and there was no way out but to abide to it. The gods are always nearby and present. They will do whatever possible to show their power and strength to the humans. They make sure the humans know they are below the gods and that is their position. They always interfere with the lives of the humans. Gilgamesh realizes the power of the gods when his friend, Enkidu dies and he hunts for the secret of an eternal life. He is somewhat jealous that the gods are the only ones who will live on forever. “What interests me, to drink from the well of immortality, which means to make the dead rise from their graves,” 5 Pg 74 shows the desires of Gilgamesh of becoming immortal. The gods are controlling the humans in one way, which leads to an imbalance in society. This imbalance created a chain of death and

Open Document