The following book review of the novel The Epic of Gilgamesh, translated by Maureen Gallery Kovacs, is a discussion on topics concerning some of the many aspects of the Mesopotamian culture. The following analysis refers to such topics as the polytheistic world-view of Ancient Mesopotamia, the relationship between the Mesopotamians and their gods, and the "revolt against death" referred to in the novel.
             The Ancient Mesopotamian world-view was considered to be polytheistic because they believed that there were different gods for every aspect of universe. " With its numerous gods and goddesses animating all aspects of the universe, Mesopotamian religion was polytheistic. The four most important deities were An, Enlil, Enki, and Ninhursaga." Each of these gods and goddesses had their own aspect of the universe to control. The Mesopotamians saw some gods or goddesses as more important than others, almost like a hierarchy among the gods. " An was the god of the sky and hence the most important force in the universe." An, having so much authority was viewed by the Mesopotamians " as the source or active principle of all authority." It was even believed that he had earthly power over all the rulers of the world. " Enli, god of wind, was considered the second greatest power of the visible universe." Because he was considered to have "legitimate use of force, Enlil became the symbol of the proper use of force on earth as well." The next god was the god of the earth, Enki. The Mesopotamians considered Enki to also be the god of the rivers, wells, and canals. He was seen this way because it is seen that the earth is the " source of life-giving waters. More generally, he represented the waters of creativity and was responsible for inventions and crafts." The final goddess was Ninhursaga. She was at first known as the goddess of soil, mountains, and vege...