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Gilgamesh
| Location: | Maryland, United States |
| Publication Date: | 2011-08-16 (Archive) |
| Date Submitted: |
2011-05-13 |
| Announcement ID: |
185203 |
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Alex Harrington
Professor Akassi
Humanities 201-012
13 May 2011
Epic of Gilgamesh: Cult of Masculinity
The Epic of Gilgamesh by an anonymous ancient author portrays characteristics found in men, more closely during the Mesopotamian era. Throughout the story the author displays certain qualities vital in becoming a good man. In the story the author uses the main characters Gilgamesh and Enkidu to display those traits needed for manhood. Gilgamesh is the king of Uruk and a brave warrior. He is also two-thirds God and one-third mortal, being the strongest of men. Enkidu is a strong, brawny man who was raised by animals. Enkidu is also Gilgamesh’s companion and friend. The author brings the two men together after a battle to set out on a journey as a group. Gilgamesh and Enkidu go through many encounters together, including one against the monster Humbaba, where they would defeat the demon. Gilgamesh is then being seduced by Ishatar the goddess of love, but he spurns her. Upset and outraged Ishatar asks her father Anu, god of sky to handle the two warrior men. The gods want to punish them and come to the decision to kill one of the two men, they choose Enkidu. Gilgamesh mourning and grieving fears his death, so he sets on a journey to find immortality. On his journey to see Utnapishtim he is deterred by many monsters and humans that tell him not to seek immortality. When he reaches Utnapishtim, he tests Gilgamesh but he fails. Gilgamesh is ordered to leave, while departing Gilgamesh is given a plant that restores youth, but it is stolen by a snake as he sleeps. Gilgamesh finally returns to Uruk, with nothing he desired but finally understands the moral of his journey. Throughout the novel the author shows the leadership characteristic in Gilgamesh and Enkidu as they lead each other on their journey. Also the author displays the chivalry in the men which is needed for all warriors. The loyalty Gilgamesh and Enkidu posses for each other are what help them on their journey. The purpose of this essay is to examine the theme of love in “Gilgamesh” through Jacques Lacan’s mirror stage theory lens to display the characteristics of men using leadership, chivalry, and loyalty.
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