Gilgamesh Relationship Between Men And Women Essay

Ancient Sumerian was one of very few societies where the relationship between a man and women had great emphasis. However, women are a greater addition to society because their femininity reflects their maternal qualities and with these maternal characteristics come great wisdom and power. Although all women have wisdom and power to aid men, the strength of their abilities depends on their social role in society. Shamat is the prostitute of Uruk, although that may appear as a derogatory term, it is her way of contributing to society. Enkidu, is the answer to the prayers of the people of Uruk, that goddess Aruru has created as an equal to Gilgamesh. However, Enkidu cannot protect the people of Uruk if he is feared.

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It is then that he becomes so mesmerized by Shamat’s femine physique that she prepares him mentally to approach Gilgamesh in the City of Uruk. She tells him ‘“ You are handsome Enkidu, just like a god! Why the beast do you wander the

When Gilgamesh told his mother he dreamt of “an axe lying with a crowd gathered around. The land [of Uruk] was standing around it.” His mother response to his concerns by stating ‘“My son, the axe you saw is a friend, like a wife you will love him, caress and embrace him, And I, Ninsun, shall make him your equal.”’3 Unlike Shamat, Ninsun is a goddess and a mother, not just a woman with maternal characteristics; therefore, her maternal deposition is stronger. The fact that she was able to predict the relationship that Gilgamesh was going to form with Enkidu, before he arrives to Uruk is incredible. Her translation of Gilgamesh’s dream also affected the decisions he made when battling Enkidu. Instead of Gilgamesh continuing to display his strength, he “knelt, one foot on the ground, his anger subsided, he broke off the fight” . Gilgamesh could have continued to fight but because he heeds his mother’s translation of his dream he realized Enkidu’s strength is equivalent to his and he’s rather a friend not an enemy. The wisdom Ninsun instilled into Gilgamesh protected him, the way a mother protects her young. Had they continue to battle, the outcome would be very drastic, since they’re both powerful and Enkidu was not willing to