Monotheism In Gilgamesh

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Former President George Washington said, “The marvel of all history is the patience with which men and women submit to burdens unnecessarily laid upon them by their governments.” While observing certain civilizations, particular ideologies, establishments, and relationships define what constitutes a culture. Specifically, the roles of men and women in society. In Genesis, it becomes apparent the role of women are supplementary to the needs of men. Also, that the existence of women is in light of men, meaning that men display dominance while women are submissive. However, in The Epic of Gilgamesh it is noted that women play a more egalitarian role in society through the Goddesses and priestess. The depiction of women and sex in society is intertwined…show more content…
Some people believed in polytheism, while others believed in henotheism, monolatrism, or monotheism. Each different belief ensued many ideologies, culture, and hierarchy. In the case of the Book of Genesis, the ideology follows Monotheism which is the belief in one God. While, in a contrasting view The Epic of Gilgamesh ideology follows Polytheism which is the belief in many Gods. Different religions were a byproduct of different beliefs. For example, in Genesis, Adam serves as the first man and prophet of God while Eve is merely the first woman in creation. In Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh even though he is mortal he is two-thirds divine and only one-third man; while the priestess Shamat is given power through her Goddess to express her sexuality amongst men. We have two differing views regarding beliefs, therefore it is safe to say that another byproduct is different roles of women and men in society. Women are subjected to different roles when comparing Gilgamesh and…show more content…
Gilgamesh points out that he is aware of her previous lovers’ demises and how he could not offer her anything because she is a Goddess and he is only mortal. Ishtar is enraged, so she calls for the bull of Heaven with the permission of her father, to be let loose and destroy Uruk. However, Enkidu and Gilgamesh manage to kill the bull, which leads to Ishtar cursing Gilgamesh. It is important to examine the source of Ishtar’s rage, the rejection from Gilgamesh. As the Goddess of love and fertility to be rejected sexually by Gilgamesh caused utter chaos. Sexuality is not something to be taken lightly in their culture, Ishtar felt she was sneeringly tossed away. Ishtar allowed Gilgamesh the opportunity of power by remarking, “When you enter my temple and its cedar fragrance, high priests will bow down and kiss your feet, kings and princes will kneel before you, brining you tribute from east to west” (Gilgamesh, 131). All Gilgamesh had to do was to marry her and satisfy her desires and he was promised an exalted position, this highlights the importance of more egalitarian roles in society through sexuality. This potential power that Gilgamesh nearly attained would have been the outcome of having a relationship with Ishtar. Meaning, although Ishtar is a Goddess, the distribution of power that she almost gave
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