Bromance at its Finest
Zelda Peach
I love this epic. I will admit, the preface was a little boring at certain parts, but overall for being the earliest known recorded story, it is great. The tone of this story reminds me a lot of Candide. Except instead of searching for answers to a question, Gilgamesh is searching for eternal life. The most intriguing aspect is the relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu. Enkidu was created to be Gilgamesh's equal, yet, he still serves and is referenced as Gilgamesh's servant at times. In tablet two at the bottom of page 70, Gilgamesh directly refers to Enkidu as his servant. I understand that Gilgamesh is a King, but it still seems a little odd to me. However, when Enkidu is dying at the end of tablet three, Gilgamesh repetitively calls Enkidu his brother. The power dynamic between the two of them switches constantly. Something else interesting is the way that the love between the two characters is described. In the first book on the bottom of page 66, the love and connection felt between the two characters is described to Gilgamesh as "you will love him as a woman". This statement, combined with the making of Enkidu specifically for Gilgamesh, immediately reminded me of Adam and Eve. I used this example while talking to other students who happened to be reading Gilgamesh in another class and they agreed. Although this is not a perfect example, it is interesting and I thought it was worth bringing up in the discussion.
I love this epic. I will admit, the preface was a little boring at certain parts, but overall for being the earliest known recorded story, it is great. The tone of this story reminds me a lot of Candide. Except instead of searching for answers to a question, Gilgamesh is searching for eternal life. The most intriguing aspect is the relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu. Enkidu was created to be Gilgamesh's equal, yet, he still serves and is referenced as Gilgamesh's servant at times. In tablet two at the bottom of page 70, Gilgamesh directly refers to Enkidu as his servant. I understand that Gilgamesh is a King, but it still seems a little odd to me. However, when Enkidu is dying at the end of tablet three, Gilgamesh repetitively calls Enkidu his brother. The power dynamic between the two of them switches constantly. Something else interesting is the way that the love between the two characters is described. In the first book on the bottom of page 66, the love and connection felt between the two characters is described to Gilgamesh as "you will love him as a woman". This statement, combined with the making of Enkidu specifically for Gilgamesh, immediately reminded me of Adam and Eve. I used this example while talking to other students who happened to be reading Gilgamesh in another class and they agreed. Although this is not a perfect example, it is interesting and I thought it was worth bringing up in the discussion.
On a completely different note, what is up with the god Shamash? He is the exact definition of a fickle god. Shamash cannot make up his mind. First, in tablet two at the bottom of page 72, Shamash allows Gilgamesh and Enkidu to go to the forest, but then later completely changes his mind and decides Enkidu and Gilgamesh must die. I guess Gilgamesh and Enkidu should have sacrificed some cows at the ziggurat or something. I can't wait to finish the book and see what happens next, I just wanted to write this before I finished reading it so I couldn’t accidentally give away the ending.
One last thing; remember when Shamash got angry at Enkidu for cursing the harlot? Yeah, that made me laugh.
Pun of the Week: What is the Hulk's favorite Sumerian god? Shamash!!! Hahaha, welcome to my sense of humor ;)
P.S I commented on Will and Anna Kate's
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ReplyDeleteFor real though, Gilgamesh and Enkidu's relationship is described in a way that might make us modern kids raise our eyebrows and ask, "Are they gay?" But back then, this type of language would signify a relationship is as deep and meaningful as marriage. They were literally made for each other, not in a romantic way, but in a bond-stronger-than-blood type of way. They are soul brothers. Honestly, when I first read this in seventh grade, I cried when Enkidu died.
ReplyDeleteI agree on the Shamash point. He seems extremely bi-polar on his callings. Though I wonder if this is on purpose or if through the different translations and different passing downs of the story that things where lost and things where added.
ReplyDeleteLike you said, in tablet two he calls Enkidu his servant then in tablet three he calls him his brother. Really what I felt from that is he did the same thing as we humans to everyday, take things for granted. We take things we think we always be there or our loved ones or pets but we do not realize how much we actually took them for granted until they are gone. I really felt that in my psuche.
ReplyDeleteThe way Shamash is described is a perfect example of how gods of those civilizations did not truly care for mankind. They are portrayed as having a type of relationship with mankind but it's more like we are ants waiting to me crushed under foot, as someone said in class. Stark contrast to the God of the Bible.
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