Epic Of Gilgamesh Essays (1313 words) - Epic Of Gilgamesh

Epic Of Gilgamesh Lindsey Johnson Professor Cutter World civilization October 9, 2000 The Epic of Gilgamesh1 . Mesopotamia, current day Iraq, derived its name from words meaning, the land between the rivers, which refers to the Tigris and Euphrates. This land was inhabited during the fourth millennium B.C.E. and throughout time transcended into political and military organizations. The significance of these cultures revolved around important warrior figures and their impact on society. The most important figure that will be discussed is the protagonist from The Epic of Gilgamesh. Many consider it to be the greatest literary composition written in cuneiform Akkadian around 2150 BC. This epic portrays the life of the great warrior, Gilgamesh. It chronicles how his victories, both militaristic and internal, ultimately determined his superiority. This relates to the ancient Mesopotamian society in many ways, including the role of warriors and the dual nature of Gilgamesh. It is evident from the beginning of the Epic of Gilgamesh how vital of a role warriors played in ancient Mesopotamian society. Warriors were considered top of the social hierarchy. All other authoritative figures were considered subordinate. Uruks inhabitants deemed Gilgamesh as their superior: There is nobody among the kings of teeming humanity who can compare with himBelet-ili designed the shape of his body, made his form perfectIn Uruk the Sheepfold he would walk about, show himself superior, his head held high like a wild bull. 2 Gilgamesh epitomizes the ideal hero in the eyes of his society through admirable physical strength, bodily perfection, and bravery. This admiration directly pertains to ancient Mesopotamia and the earliest Sumerian governments. For instance, When crises arose, assemblies yielded their power to individuals who possessed full authority during the period of emergency.3 Back then, it was considered common knowledge that early governments based their decision s for the good of the entire community. Gilgamesh demonstrates these same tactics when he finds his community in danger. For example, Gilgamesh seized the Bull of Heaven, which came down from the skies, in order to protect his cherished citizens. 4 Protection of the city is Gilgameshs main objective. He states, I shall face unknown opposition, I shall ride along an unknown road. 5 Here, Gilgamesh seeks out to Pine Forest where he slays Humbaba, in order to exterminate evil and safeguard his city. Sumerian cities also faced external tribulations because of their wealth and virtually defenseless entrances o their land. Because the land and location was so flat and vulnerable the cities built defensive walls and organized military forces.6 Gilgamesh built a very similar structure. The wall of Uruk was an amazing barrier that sheltered every square mile of land. The citizens of Uruk claimed the wall to be the pure treasury. 7 It becomes evident in Mesopotamian culture as well as with Gilgamesh that major defense mechanisms are needed in order to maintain security. When a city state gains structure the next step is to become proactively aggressive; therefore, conquering and punishing other cities. For example, External threats came later to Egypt than to Mesopotamia, but the invasion of the Hyksos prompted the pharaohs to seize control of regions that might pose future threats. 8 In addition, Gilgamesh displays these same ideas when adventuring into the Pine Forest. Because its ci tizens adored Mesopotamias physical landscape, they would protect their land at all costs. Gilgameshs image and qualities depict those of an ideal man. He controls a great deal of power and status, for he is believed to be two-thirds divine and one-third human. He also possesses power through his kingship. Gilgamesh displays a great amount of hubris. Priding himself with greatness he states, Gilgamesh is finest among the young males! Gilgamesh is proudest among the males 9 He is not only spiritually content, but also physically appealing. He represents the ideal man through wealth, handsomeness, and power. These traits were also important of the Egyptian pharaohs. Because the city valued their leader to such a great extent, they built massive pyramids as royal tombs. They also believed that heroes were gods living on earth.10 This helps comprehend the importance of Gilgameshs part divinity, part human character. Hammurabi of the Babylonian empire proclaimed that the gods named him to promote the welfare of the peopleto cause justice to prevail