Values In The Epic Of Gilgamesh

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Recommended: Use of symbolism and figurative language in the odyssey

Ancient texts highlight important values present during the time period. Some values may include honor, hospitality, respect, bravery, intelligence, and loyalty. Most importantly, ancient texts highlight the presence of God, in order to express their belief in God or Gods. As time progressed, the physical distance between Gods and humans has gradually diminished, whilst the Gods still maintained their control over human fate, which is clearly seen in The Epic of Gilgamesh, The Odyssey, Genesis, The Book of Job, and Antigone. In The Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the oldest texts written around 2000 BCE, Uta-napishiti, Gilgamesh, and Ea have direct interaction with each other. The epic poem begins with Gilgamesh asking Uta-napishiti “how did you find the life eternal?” (Anonymous 11.8). In other words, Gilgamesh asks Uta-napishiti how Uta-napishiti …show more content…

Odysseus goes through a series of events in order to reach home after twenty arduous years. Throughout his journey, he is aided by a Goddess named Athena, who appears in several different forms. For instance, “she took the form of the famous sea captain Dymas 's daughter” in order to join Odysseus in helping him overcome his obstacles (Homer, Book VI). As a result, the Gods and Goddesses appear in disguise when interacting with humans. Instead of appearing in their true identity, the gods communicate subtly with humans. Furthermore, this disguised communication does not diminish the control the Gods have. For example, Poseidon was angered by Odysseus’s act in blinding Cyclops, Poseidon 's son. Poseidon is described to have “raged on, seething against the great Odysseus till he reached his native land.” (Homer, Book 1). Poseidon 's anger drives him to steer Odysseus away from home. As a result, the gods and goddesses appear in disguises, while having complete control of the events that affects humans, such as

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