Gilgamesh
Tags
en
cegep/3
Word count
342 words
Reading time
3 minutes
Might be the first major piece of literature
Incomplete
Reconstruction from different versions
Themes
Sexism
Shamhat (the harlot):
- Nameless in the translated version => diminutive
- "Child of pleasure" => diminutive
- Only exists for a specific purpose, no free will
Sex
Reserved for the wise <= Enkidu gains wisdom through sex.
Wisdom
A blessing and a curse
- <= Enkidu loses his strength when he gains wisdom.
- <= Enkidu curses the trapper and Shamhat for exposing him to wisdom, then he blesses Shamhat for introducing him to Gilgamesh.
Fate
- No free will
- <= foreshadowing dreams
- <= unbreakable curses
- Fate chosen by the Anunnaki (judges) and Mammetun (mother of destinies)
Death
- Everyone is equal in death.
- => the powerful fear death more because they will lose their power.
- When one becomes aware of death, one wants to prove their worth and be remembered by everyone.
Characters
Gods
- Easily persuaded
- Corrupt
Gilgamesh
King of Uruk
Two thirds god
Might be a real historical figure
- Arrogant
- Rules with cruelty
- Lustful <= sleeps with all brides
Enkidu
Wild and lives among the Shepherds
Hairy
Created equal to Gilgamesh
Friend, advisor or servant of Gilgamesh
- Loyal
Humbaba
Guardian of the cedar forest
Dragon's fangs, lion, flood
Created by Enlil
Born of the mountain
Possesses 7 treasures
Alter ego of Gilgamesh?
Utnapishtim
Father of Gilgamesh
Only man to whom the gods gave everlasting life
Lives in the land of Dilmun, in the garden of the sun
Locations
Cedar forest
Ambiguous
- Divine <= dwelling of the gods
- Beautiful
Mashu
Great mountains that guard the rising and the setting sun
Guarded by Scorpions
Ajitani Hifumi