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Mesopotamia and its geography introduction essay
Mesopotamia and its geography introduction essay
Effects of mesopotamia
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Hubristic to Humble Great leaders embody a paradox. They develop strength and wisdom through failure and ignorance. The activist Gandhi recognizes this contradiction, noting that both strength and weakness and wisdom and folly are close companions: “it is unwise to be too sure of one’s own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err.” Gilgamesh proves this truth in The Epic of Gilgamesh, translated by Herbert Mason.
Gilgamesh and David are presented as the best kings, but their reigns are also marked by serious personal failures. What does the relationship between the kings’ successes and failures show us about kingship? During the reign of David and Gilgamesh, they are known to be the greatest king among all the other kings, but there are moments that portrayed them as wicked rulers and tyrants. Being a king means they both possess divine and absolute power, and with the power comes along the complications such as corruptions and misconducts.
The hero archetype and the loyal retainer archetype are both prevalent in ancient epics such as the Ramayana and the Epic of Gilgamesh. In the Ramayana, the hero Rama embodies the hero archetype through his selflessness, bravery, and determination to uphold righteousness. He is accompanied by his loyal retainer, Hanuman, who serves him faithfully and aids him in his journey to rescue his wife from the demon king Ravana. Similarly, in the Epic of Gilgamesh, the hero Gilgamesh embodies the hero archetype through his strength and quest for immortality. He is accompanied by his loyal retainer and somewhat equal, Enkidu, who serves him faithfully and helps him overcome obstacles in his journey.
Achilles and Gilgamesh Achilles and Gilgamesh are both heroes of our past-time. Both men were part human, part god. Achilles was son of nymph goddess Thetis and of Peleus, commander of the Myrmidons (Homer). Gilgamesh was son of goddess Ninsun and King Lugulbanda (Gilgamesh), Both demigods were prideful. Achilles was so controlled by his pride and rage, it costed him his best friend's life.
What scares children and grown people alike? What has remained part of our society as an archetype since the beginning of written literature? Monsters! Most monsters fit a general archetype; almost all monsters are universally hated, viewed as scary, and seen as hideous. Monsters, seen through a lens of fear, are often often are pitted against heroes in adventure stories.
Gilgamesh is somewhat bitter with the fact that only gods are able to live forever. When he thinks about death he is very uncomfortable because he feels that he is a mighty warrior of a man and the only thing that will ultimately end him is death. We also see how the death of his beloved friend Enkidu drives him to the edge of the earth in attempt to prolong or completely liberate himself from the same fate. This is a valuable lesson for mankind throughout history. No matter what you may feel or become in the
Physical attractiveness and physical ability have been held to a very high standard for thousands of years, and are still being viewed as an important societal value today. Men are said to place more importance on the physical attractiveness of women than women do on the physical attractiveness of men (Mazur 281). Men may place more importance on physical standards of women, but in the myth of Polyphemus the Cyclops from Mythology and the tale of King Gilgamesh from The Epic of Gilgamesh men were being criticized for their looks or honored for their physical prowess. The Epic of Gilgamesh and the myth of Polyphemus both enforce the unspoken social rule of being a prime physical specimen, whether it be due to physical capability or physical
I can say that my opinion of heroism has changed. I used to believe there was only one cut and dry mold of what a hero should be like, but now I see there is room for other point of views. Before reading all of these stories I would have said that a hero must be strong and smart and not afraid to take on any challenge like Gilgamesh from unit one. When I thought of hero I immediately think of superhero like Superman. He is handsome and strong like Gilgamesh, but Superman is also different.
Gilgamesh is an epic hero because, he part divine, interacts with gods and his story has a series of adventures and superhuman victories. Gilgamesh is a king that shows off his power and enviably shows his weak side in most altercations. Most scholars see him as a historical figure, but I myself think he is definitely an epic hero. He oppresses people who call out to the gods, this is not very heroic, but his other actions will show the truth. Gilgamesh IS an epic hero.
Nietzsche’s Genealogy of Morality, indubitably depicts and critiques the origins of morality and how the definition of morality itself is indefinite and evolves over time. However, in depicting such, elevates the controversy of several other concepts. The first controversy is the idea of what is good and evil, which initiates the idea of two subcategories of morality. Next, is the concept of guilt and punishment which correlates with the idea of a bad conscience. Lastly, Nietzsche challenges the concept of asceticism.
The Epic of Gilgamesh is the oldest story known to mankind, being written on Sumerian clay almost five thousand years ago (Garone). Since the story was originally known orally, the culture and themes from The Epic of Gilgamesh must have existed long before it was finally inscribed (Mark 4). Having known this, the cultures and themes can be compared to today’s society, discovering about how they have shifted and evolved, and also observe how they are similar. The ancient days of Gilgamesh has brought culture that has greatly influenced today’s society. Because Gilgamesh was set around the time of late Babylonian or early Sumerian society, the Babylonian and Sumerian cultures also play a role in shaping the world into what is is today (Mark).
A Hero’s Quest for Immortality Gilgamesh, just like any other heroes, receives a vision from the gods pertaining to his fate, “The father of the gods has given you kingship, such is your destiny, everlasting life is not your destiny.” It makes no sense at first but as the story progress, we found out that Gilgamesh was never meant to live eternal life. The quest for immortality is a common theme in mythologies. Heroes undergo challenges against gods and supernatural creatures in order to get the desired item that would restore one’s youth.
Literary devices are used to bridge the gaps and fill in the cracks for me where simple words do not suffice in some stories. I find myself constantly searching stories for and identifying different types of literary devices. In the Epic of Gilgamesh, three uses of literary devices were demonstrated and used consistently. These literary devices are: repetition, imagery and flashbacks. This literary narrative is centered on an epic journey that utilizes literary devices to enhance the complexity and understanding in the story.
Enkidu is not the only one trying to discourage this adventure. The elders and Ninsun also try to discourage the adventure. Gilgamesh is given many opportunities to make a different choice, but does not choose to. He continues on to make a name for himself. Even in the midst of the battle Gilgamesh is given the opportunity to spare the life of Humbaba.
The Epic of Gilgamesh: Relevant Truth for Today’s Society The Epic of Gilgamesh is set in Uruk, an ancient city of the ancient Mesopotamian civilization of Sumer, now modern-day Iraq. The epic was said to be written by Sin-liqe-unninni, but it is based on five earlier Sumerian poems with no known author. The piece was difficult to translate, and there are two main version for the Epic of Gilgamesh. This is the result of the environment during the time the piece was being written.
