I just want to be completely honest in stating that I was not interested by this epic in the slightest. The introduction, which is exactly fifty-one pages, restates information multiple times that could easily be condensed into fewer words. While the introduction does a great job of giving historical insight, it is extremely easy to get lost in the history of it all. Personally, I like easy reads that I can interpret and still be intrigued.
The epic itself brings a lot of light to the story of a king with too much power. In my opinion, Gilgamesh is, for lack of a better word, a cry baby. He stomps around with so much power at his feet and the people quickly realize this. After this, they beg the gods to create a fully-man version of Gilgamesh to even him out and Gilgamesh is fascinated with him. They begin quests together, but Enkidu, being human, perishes. Gilgamesh might be mourning his "brother" on the inside, but he only shows concern about his own peril. He pleads for the gods to grant him immortality, but never receives it. After his return, he dies and his worst fear is fulfilled.
I believe that if Gilgamesh had spent less time worrying about his own demise and more time focused on his quest and counterpart, that this epic could have been completely different. What are everyone's thoughts?
(Sorry for the negativity lol)
The epic itself brings a lot of light to the story of a king with too much power. In my opinion, Gilgamesh is, for lack of a better word, a cry baby. He stomps around with so much power at his feet and the people quickly realize this. After this, they beg the gods to create a fully-man version of Gilgamesh to even him out and Gilgamesh is fascinated with him. They begin quests together, but Enkidu, being human, perishes. Gilgamesh might be mourning his "brother" on the inside, but he only shows concern about his own peril. He pleads for the gods to grant him immortality, but never receives it. After his return, he dies and his worst fear is fulfilled.
I believe that if Gilgamesh had spent less time worrying about his own demise and more time focused on his quest and counterpart, that this epic could have been completely different. What are everyone's thoughts?
(Sorry for the negativity lol)
I agree with the introduction being a tad longer than necessary, but I believe it was only because the writer wanted a solid outline present for extra curious readers. Also, Gilgamesh was a character to be learned from in multiple ways. For instance, we definitely learn to appreciate the things we have been given and to take heed in any warnings, especially those from bigger forms of authority. Also, I love your honesty :)
ReplyDeleteI also think the intro was very long, especially because I'm ADHD, but at the same time i agree with what Hannah said. It was probably very long only because the author wanted to give a firm foundation for the reader to stand on so they had no questions as to how something came to be while they read.
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