We read Gilgamesh in Literature Class

\Gilgamesh – Final Draft

            In Gilgamesh by Stephen Mitchell the gods have a close relationship with the humans. The humans ask things of the gods and the gods get glorification in return. They affect the humans in a positive way. The first of the occasions where the immortals help the mortals was when the gods ask Anu to save the people of Uruk from Gilgamesh’s destruction. Another incident is where Gilgamesh goes to Ninsun so that she may interpret his dream. She also gave Gilgamesh and Enkidu a blessing when they were going to kill Humbaba. In return the humans have temples dedicated to them and also do things like how the priestesses give themselves in the name of Ishtar to honor her. So it is important for them to have each other. The gods help the humans and in return they have to worship. The humans are grateful enough that they receive help, and thus carry out the things they have to.

            Gilgamesh “went to his mother, the goddess Ninsun, and asked her to interpret the dream” (83). This is important because it shows that the gods have wisdom and that the humans trust them. The mortals who have limited time on earth are not as wise as the immortals who have been there forever and therefore have the wisdom. Another incident that is similar to this is when Gilgamesh and Enkidu go to get Ninsun’s blessing before going off to kill Humbaba. Gilgamesh says “give me your blessing before I leave” (99) to which she answered by praying to the other gods so that they may give them protection on the journey. The humans rely on the gods to be there for them and share protection and wisdom.

            The gods were asked by the people of Uruk to save them from Gilgamesh’s “tyranny” the gods told Anu that “the people cry out” and no one dares oppose him” they said “Father, do something” (73). Then they “[created] a new hero, [and] let them balance each other perfectly” (74). The fact that they do something to help is what sets them apart from a lot of other pantheons. In this instance, the gods are like parents to humans as they have taken a protective role over the humans. They take care of their problems and fix their situations actively. In return they receive gratitude and offerings in the ziggurats and temples that were built to them.

            In the same way that the gods fix their problems actively the kind of praise the gods receive is very active and extreme as well, because the mortals are grateful and because they don’t want to inquire their wrath. The priestesses of “the temple of Ishtar” stand in front of the temple “ready to serve men’s pleasure, in honor of the goddess” (81). They are complacent enough to do this without any problems. However; if they anger the gods they receive hatred and punishment. After Gilgamesh insulted Ishtar she “shrieked, she exploded with fury. Raging, weeping she went up to heaven…as tears of anger poured down her cheeks” she “led the Bull down to earth, it entered and bellowed, the whole earth shook…” (137). She was very angry with Gilgamesh and even said, “I want to kill that liar, Gilgamesh, and destroy his palace.” (136). Ishtar was going to punish Gilgamesh, Enkidu and bring “famine for seven long years” (136) just because Gilgamesh, who is only one person, had pointed out a fault in her that was true. This shows that along with helping the humans they get a lot of power over them, much like parents over their children, but more extreme.

            The gods are helpful to the humans as long as the humans keep worshiping and not disrespecting the gods. However; when they do wrong toward the gods they receive extreme punishment.  The humans are dependent on the wisdom and protection of the gods, and without it them life is more dangerous. Human life is based on divine protection. The situation is a give and take relationship with the humans, and it makes sense, because Aruru, who is an immortal, is “the one who created humans” (74). The gods and humans need each other in order for both to exist, and without one where would the other be, because the gods are there to protect the humans so that they feel secure; however, humans are the ones who created the gods.

So...I wanted to say that I had a lot of fun writing this. I had to choose my own topic AND my own question to answer and I am very pleased with the results! Also, I could not have done this without the help of my wonderful editors (who are also my friends) Melissa and Anna. When they finished viewing my first draft there were so many pencil marks that I had a lot to work with and I got to understand how the people who read my passages feel. I told Melissa to become my future editor...she is heartless and I rather have someone tell me what is bad than tell me that it was perfect when it wasn't! Extra thanks to Melissa!