Why Gilgamesh is sacred
With such an interesting storyline and well developed characters, how could one not want to keep this story in circulation? It is a story that displays a picture as to how things were at that time and what values were instilled in the kingdoms. This fascinating lore was a very effective way of teaching others about the Sumerian culture and the morals of the people. Also, this epic was a way of branching historical insight into how Gilgamesh lived and ruled as a king through his actions. There are many factors contributing to the existence of the principles exemplified by the Epic of Gilgamesh, even today. One such reason why Gilgamesh is still around could be due to its accurate account of the gods and beliefs of these ancient people. A fine example of how the Sumerians believed that they had a protector god that looked after them is . . .
We can accurately portray how each of these gods acted through their encounters with Gilgamesh. These documents provide a vivid detail of the overall religious theme as to which the Sumerians belonged. Since this story contains a great deal of action and presents the ideals held similarly by the Babylonian people, it facilitates an entertaining way for the children to learn about values. The story could have been used as a methodical approach to educate the children of the society about morality and divine powers. Its ability to teach, explain history, and outline religious beliefs remains a very practical tool for the Babylonians to use and pass down to future generations. shown in this line, “I am going to that country, O Shamash, I am going; my hands supplicate, so let it be well with my soul and bring me back to the quay of Uruk”(72) It also contains insight of what gods were around and what their jobs were. That way, they may tell the story to the younger ones of the civilization and instill a sense of pride in their culture. Yet another reason why they kept this story is its ability to teach lessons in an entertaining way. The verification of his existence provides that this king was essentially a very powerful man, yet the Babylonians may have kept it for the fact that they could gloat over their conquering of this society with such ruthless and brawny leaders. Another reason for this story’s sanction by the Babylonians is that it provides historical documentation of the actual king, Gilgamesh. This epic contains many wonderful things that presented themselves as very useful to the Babylonians. The lesson that Gilgamesh learns when Enkidu dies, “O my brother, so dear as you are to me, brother, yet they will take me from you. This provides for a separation of the belief that man can think himself to be immortal, realizing that all humans are mortal. ”(89), is one that sheds light on the common beliefs of humans being mortal and the gods immortal.
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