The Epic of Gilgamesh :: essays research papers

Before we read 'The Epic of Gilgamesh' we were learning about ancient civilizations. This book gives us a story to understand how people acted, who they looked up to, & what they believed in. 'The Epic of Gilgamesh' may not be an important text to read, but it's better then taking notes. By reading the story & doing a BBQ everyday is like the same thing. So 'The Epic of Gilgamesh' should be read in the ninth grade global history, since it fits so well with the curriculum. No matter what time period it is just about all civilizations have gender roles. In ancient Sumer most of women in the story are portrayed differently. One of them was a slut (Harlot). Another was completely crazy who hated rejection (Ishtar). After Gilgamesh washed & changed his clothes Ishtar fell in love with him. So Ishtar asked Gilgamesh to marry her. When she was rejected she was furious. Ishtar went to her father Anu & told him what happened. ?My father give me the bull of heaven to destroy Gilgamesh? this quote was found on page 87. Every civilization, country, & state needs a leader if it hopes to be successful. Leaders need to take charge & keep things in order, but a good leader would also be open to change. At the beginning of the story Gilgamesh is hated by all of the people of Uruk. They thought that Gilgamesh was arrogant & he was unfair. Everything changed when Gilgamesh met Enkidu. They started out as friends but when Nisum adopted Enkidu as a son, Gilgamesh & Enkidu got even closer. When Enkidu died Gilgamesh was devastated so he had a statue made for his brother.?Then Gilgamesh issued a proclamation through the land, he summoned them all, the coppersmiths, & the goldsmiths, the stone-workers,& commanded them , ?Make a statue of my friend this quote was found on page 96. This was reckless of Gilgamesh but instead of staying locked up in his room he requested to have something made in his friend?s honor. Gilgamesh showed excellent leadership qualities by taking charge of the situation. Through out this book when ever the characters are faced with a problem they turn to religion. The religion of the story is polytheism which is the belief of many gods.