Kingship In Gilgamesh Essay

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Kingship plays an important role in The Epic of Gilgamesh. Their are many characteristics of kingship such as being a leader, ruling and protecting over their people, and last but not least, being ready to sacrifice themselves if need be. A great example of someone who exemplifies the qualities of kingship is Jesus Christ. He obviously was a strong leader considering people still not only talk about him, but worship him to this day. He also protected his people during his time such as the apostles or disciples. And lastly, He sacrificed himself. Not only for his apostles or himself, but for everyones salvation. Gilgamesh to myself does not fulfill the duties of a king in the beginning of the epic. Gilgamesh is to be king from birth. However, from the beginning of the epic we learn that he is not a leader or “shepherd” king. He is more of a tyrant focused on personal desires rather the welfare of Uruk. Gilgamesh has little value for any human life other than his own due to his often rampages of rapes and murders. He was cruel …show more content…

Enkidu will be his equal and balance Gilgamesh out. Contrary to what the gods wanted, they become the best of friends and Gilgamesh acquires a deep love for Enkidu. Enkidu then dies and Gilgamesh mourns deeply over his death. Gilgamesh can’t stop worrying about his own death. He is so flawed by being a mortal that the conflict between his divinity and humanity ignites a quest inside of him to seek out immortality. Gilgamesh finally recognizes that he is not above all humans and is terrified by this idea. To find immortality he must find Uta-Napishti (Who is the Mesopotamian Noah). Uta-Napishti was granted immortality by the Gods because he survived the Deluge. He tells Gilgamesh that there is a plant on the bottom of the sea that will help him obtain immortality. Gilgamesh finds the plant, but a serpent steals the plant from him as it sheds its

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