Sunday, May 19, 2019
The Epic of Gilgamesh: Values, & Serpents vs. Bible
The True Value of Life Sometimes, in order for you to change, it takes losing something so dear to you. This is turn out in one of the oldest stories forever written, The Epic of Gilgamesh. Although the main plot is foc utilize on Gilgamesh losing is closest partner and going on a journeying of immortality, by studying Gilgameshs idea of avoiding death, we lav meet throughout the story that death is inevitable, lack of humility is an issue, and the symbol of the serpent. Gilgamesh, the queen mole rat of Uruk, is a mighty king that built magnificent temple towers and high walls that surrounded the city.However, he came about these building projects by agonistic labor. The gods heard the people of Uruks pleas, so the gods created Enkidu, who is just as magnificent as Gilgamesh, to challenge him. The gods political program took a different turn when the two became best of friends. Gilgameshs happy adventurous support before long takes a tragic turn when Enkidu falls ill and d ies. Gilgamesh now fears for his own life. Heartbroken, Gilgamesh sets out on a journey to find the key to eternal life. His journey leads him to Utnapishtim, who he and his familys dies were spared by Ea, the god of wisdom, from the flood.As a result of this, Enlil, the god of earth, rewards Utnapishtim with eternal life. Gilgamesh assumes Utnapishtim can grant him eternal life as well, so he puts him to a test. Gilgamesh has to stay awake for a week this is a trick because immortals dont ever sleep. Gilgamesh immediately fails. As a second chance Utnapishtim gives him a plant of youth. On his journey covering home a snake steals the plant while Gilgamesh is in the pond. Gilgamesh returns to Uruk empty handed however, he returns as a different man. The greatest lesson Gilgamesh learns is that death is inescapable.Siduri, the goddess of wine disguised as the tavern keeper, warns him of seeking immortality. As for you, Gilgamesh, allow your belly be full, make merry day and night. Of each day make a feast of rejoicing. Day and night dance and play Let your garments be sparkling fresh, your head be washed bathe in water. Pay heed to a little one that holds on to your hand, let a spouse delight in your bosom (Tablet X). This is her telling him it would be pointless and to just sleep together what he has in his life now. It was Enkidus fate to die as a consequence later on him and Gilgamesh killed the Bull of Heaven.Gilgamesh realizes in the end that it is likewise mans fate to die, as it is for humankind to live on. Death is inevitable and immortality is promised only to the gods. Life must be treasured. Life isnt worth animate if you dont take what is has to offer, for death will come faster than you know. Gilgamesh may commence started his seek as two-thirds god and one-third man, but he returned as a man, realizing his own inevitable mortality. From being two-thirds god and one-third man, Gilgamesh is destined for perfection. He is blessed with the l uxurious life and all the riches he could possibly want.Unfortunately his greatest flaw is his arrogance and lack of humility. Gilgamesh was created by the gods to be perfect in all(prenominal) way. However, the gods couldnt prepare him for life, its challenges, and how to be a true king. Gilgamesh lived like a god amongst his people and was scorned for it because he didnt care about anyone but himself. The gods didnt know what to do with Gilgameshs life so they sent Enkidu which gave him true friendship. Gilgamesh started in the story as a cruel king that used forced labor to build his ground and would rape women.He would do whatever he wanted to do and get who and whatever he wanted. He was loathed by his people. The first transition to his change was Enkidu. They both became heroes. When his journey ends he returns to his kingdom as a new selfless man who thinks no more than do right by his people. Serpents play similar but at the same time different roles in Gilgamesh and the Bible. In the story of Gilgamesh the serpent changes Gilgameshs perception of life. After his long quest he is precondition an herb that restores his youth. He hasnt yet used it when a snake steals it.Though the snake robs Gilgamesh of his chance to enjoy youth again, it restores Gilgameshs sanity. The snake is a benefit. Gilgamesh now carries back the gift of wisdom. He now focuses on what is in front of him and doesnt take life for granted. In the Bible, the serpent is a source of vicious that brought life-long punishment to humankind. The serpent tempts pass and Eve to disobeying theology into taking what rightfully belongs to God knowledge. As punishment, God exiles Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden and brands them as sinners.The serpent stole their innocence, so in a way the serpent brought both death and knowledge into the world. As descendent of Adam and Eve we also hold the name as a sinner. This is the wall of Uruk, which no city on earth can equal. See how its ram parts gleam like copper in the sun. Climb the stone staircase, more ancient than the oral sex can imagine a temple that no king has equaled in size or beauty, qualifying on the wall of Uruk, follow its course around the city, inspect its mighty foundations examine its brickwork, how masterfully it is built, strike the land it encloses (Book XI).Shortly before Gilgameshs eyes truly opened he was in despair because he lost his opportunity of immortality when he lost the plant of youth. In the end as he looked upon his kingdom he established wisdom. He realized that death cannot be avoided, and he became a humble king. If it wasnt for the serpent he would still be the arrogant king he was and he wouldnt have gain this knowledge. If the serpent didnt bring along the idea of eating off the tree of knowledge, Adam and Eve would still be in the Garden of Eden and wouldnt have the knowledge of the world.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.