The Influence of Women in Epic of Gilgamesh Essay - 580 Words

The Influence of Women in Epic of Gilgamesh Gilgamesh can be viewed as a writing that describes the social scene of the times it was written in. The characters of Enkidu and Gilgamesh are strong males. The roles of women in Gilgamesh are submissive and subtle. Women in this ancient Sumerian tale tend to be passive, but capable of influencing the outcome of events. Enkidu is a mighty force to confront. He is so strong that he is seen as a wild animal in his first appearances in the book. Gilgamesh is as strong or even stronger than Enkidu. He is the king of Uruk and is part god and part man. These dominant male characters command the most attention of the reader. The prostitute is one of the roles of women in the text. She brought†¦show more content†¦She walks behind Enkidu when he enters the great market at Uruk. She is subtle in her intentions. Enkidu has obviously been deceived into leaving his home in the wilderness. King Gilgamesh is a daunting figure who demands total obedience. This is documented in Hartley Spatts review. Spatt states, When the audience next learns that the king has been abusive to the young men of the city and has deflowered young maidens, their disapproval of these acts is tempered by their initial approval of his great accomplishment (2538). He goes on to say, The tales content reveals much about humanitys earliest social and religious concerns... (Spatt 2538). It certainly does reveal elements of these issues. No matter where the leader of a city or country exists today, the public would not tolerate such behavior. Gilgameshs acts further demonstrate the social environment at the time of writing. Women had no rights and their families accepted this as the norm. The book records the creation of Enkidu: So the goddess conceived an image in her mind, and it was of the stuff of Anu of the firmament. She dipped her hands in water and pinched off clay, she let it fall in the wilderness, and noble Enkidu was created (Gilgamesh 19). Ninsun gives her son advice on how to deal with situations. These two female characters are gods in Gilgamesh. The two women do not have positions that demand anything of the men, though. There are no sacrifices orShow MoreRelatedRoles Of Gilegosh And The Power Of Women In Gilgamesh1440 Words   |  6 Pageshistory, the power and influence of men over women varied greatly, with women typically being in the position of less power and influence. Although women seem to play a less apparent role, women are essential for both the continuation of life and the nurturing of the future, signifying that the power of women is very potent. The women of Gilgamesh are goddesses, priestesses and a variety of other roles, each with th eir own set of skills, guide Gilgamesh throughout the epic. Despite the perceptionRead MoreGender Inequality In Gilgamesh Essay1339 Words   |  6 Pagesa gender inequality separating the roles and power of men from women. 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