Epic of Gilgamesh
The book, “Epic of Gilgamesh,” authored by Benjamin Foster is an epic poem of Mesopotamian origin. At the beginning of the story, the author introduces Gilgamesh as a tyrant king and lover of women. The “Epic of Gilgamesh” is also an ancient literary work of religious treatise. The author explores various themes, which include human’s divine relationship and mortality friendship and heroism. Also, the author describes Gilgamesh’s legendary strength, which while associating with Enkidu.The most admirable characteristics of Gilgamesh identified by the author include heroism, braveness, perseverance, and loyalty. The author’s reflection on Gilgamesh’s character is a reflection of the constant conflict between heroic values and the cultural values of Mesopotamia, which defined the behavior of kings and warriors.
In the book “Epics of Gilgamesh,” the author admires Gilgamesh’s heroic character since his strength was perfect and flawless as stated in the book, “perfect in strength” (Sandars, 1972). According to the author, Gilgamesh represented a humanistic version of God’s virtues, therefore making him an ideal person since no one could see his flaws. The author also admires Gilgamesh’s courageous character by stating, “There dwells in the forest, the fierce monster Humbaba, You and I shall kill him and wipe out something evil from the land.”Moreover, the author also admires Gilgamesh’s loyalty in the statement, “Two cubs are stronger than a mighty lion,” which describes Enkidu’s respect to Gilgamesh as a loyal friend (Sandars, 1972).
The epic narration of Gilgamesh describes how admirable qualities of heroes define the Mesapotanian moral growth and conflict resolution. Additionally, Gilgamesh’s character represents the socio-political and religious nature of Mesopotamia.Besides, Gilgamesh being a man he is also a hero and king, which forms his identity. Even though Gilgamesh’s heroic characters are in the form of warrior-king, the transformation from king to a god, warrior, ruler, and builder seems to distort the meaning of kingship. The author points out that Gilgamesh’s heroic character was as a result of seeking fame through battles as stated “Surpassing all other kings, heroic in nature, brave scion of Uruk, a wild bull on the rampage! He was the vanguard going at the fore, going at the rear, the trust of his brothers!”(Sandars, 1972). Gilgamesh, with the help of Enkidu wage war against monster Huwawa to affirm his role as a warrior and win fame for himself.
The book”Epic of Gilgamesh” describes Gilgamesh as a person exists in spiritual isolation and lives on heroic realms. Gilgamesh’s life becomes unbearable when he seeks to become immortal but does not succeed. Moreover, Enkidu, Gilgamesh’s friend, helps him to understand his present situation and identity. Enkidu teaches Gilgamesh to become human since she has experience in human relationships and pleasure. By examining Gilgamesh’s character, society understands the different developmental stages of human beings. For instance, human beings become socialized in their youth. Then, at middle age, they take leadership positions, and finally, at old age, accept death.
References
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Sandars, N. K. (1972). The epic of Gilgamesh. Harmondsworth: Penguin.
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