Monday, May 25, 2020

Essay on The Role of Women in the Epic of Gilgamesh

The Role of the Women in the Epic of Gilgamesh Stories reflect and mirror culture. Some writers write about how things currently are in their own society and the position that certain people hold in that society. It is because of that kind of thought and style of writing that a reader can learn and in some ways better understand the hierarchical position of peoples in a society at a particular time in history. In ancient Mesopotamia, women had fewer privileges and rights then the men. Despite their lack of rights and privileges, women in high position were viewed as temptresses, tamers, and a essential part of Mesopotamian culture. The harlot plays a very important role in the development of this story. It was because of†¦show more content†¦The harlots duty was to tell Enkidu about civilization and lead him out of the wilderness and into civilization. The woman describes the power of the king of Uruk to the beast Enkidu, and Enkidu desires to encounter this king and test his strength against the kings. For six days and seven nights they lay together, for Enkidu had forgotten his home in the hills (65). Thus, it was the woman who led Enkidu to Gilgamesh and allowed them to clash and then become friends. Without the role of the harlot and her power to lure men, the two gentlemen would have never met and in a sense Gilgamesh probably would have never gone on his quests for immortality. Gilgamesh recognizes the strength of the harlots charm, however while he recognizes that, he fails to recognize anything else regarding women. He sleeps with all the women in his land and takes them out of their home to be his brides. His lust leaves no virgin to their lover, neither the warriors daughter or the wife of the noble (62). It is because of this that Enkidu challenges Gilgamesh by saying, I have come to challenge the old order, for I am the strongest here (68). Enkidu recognizes the importance of women and their right to be with their families. The role of women in ancient Mesopotamia was that of a homemaker, and to destroy or corrupt the homemaker one can destroy and/orShow MoreRelatedThe Role Of Women In The Epic Of Gilgamesh1189 Words   |  5 Pages The Epic of Gilgamesh follows a tale of two brothers tasked with defeating an all-powerful beast, yet they aren’t the most important characters in this story. Without their wisdom and guidance, Gilgamesh and Enkidu’s journey would have ended a lot sooner, and Gilgamesh would have still rampaged in Uruk, never bringing peace to those who were below him. 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