The Nature Of Man In The Epic Of Gilgamesh

Since the beginning of time, philosophers, theologians, and the common man have wondered and hypothesized about the true nature of man. In light of this overarching question, many authors have offered their ideas and perspectives through their literary works. Often times, these authors choose to express their thoughts in the way their characters relate to one another. For example, both the Homer and the author of the epic of Gilgamesh chose to manifest their ideas about the nature of man by portraying the relationship between the Greek gods and man. Throughout both stories, the authors portray mankind as seeing the gods as both bringers of good and evil. They embrace their freedom as a gift from the gods, but despise the ultimate sovereignty

Often times, the gods intervene because they believe that their actions will prevent an irrational decision or action by mankind. For example, in the first book of the Iliad, Athena-the god of wisdom- tells Achilles not to harm Agamemnon. In this instance, Athena decided to intervene in the affairs of men because she wanted prevent Achilles from acting in the heat of the moment and endangering himself and others. Additionally, in the epic of Gilgamesh, the author shows that mans decisions are subject to the approval of the gods. After Enkidu dies at the hands of the gods, for example, Gilgamesh realizes in mortality. In his quest for immortality, he seeks out Utnaphistim-the only human to gain immortality. Ultimately, Gilgamesh fails the test to gain immortality, but manages to receive the plant that makes old men young again. Despite this second chance, a serpent eats the plant of immortality, and Gilgamesh is stuck just as mortal as before. Throughout his quest Gilgamesh failed to realize that no matter how hard he tried, Enil, the father of the gods, had already determined his fate and anything actions he took would be negated by the will of the Enil. In both of these instances, it is worth noting that neither author had to credit the gods with disrupting the actions of man, but each author intentionally attributes these actions to the Gods in order to show that the Gods are