Analyzing Akhenaten's Hymn To The Sun

In every civilization, gods are represented differently. Each religion and culture has its own beliefs in ways, manners, and responsibilities of their deity/deities. I chose to analyze Akhenaten’s Hymn to the Sun and The Epic of Gilgamesh to show the similarities and differences between the Egyptian and Sumerian respected god(s). Akhenaten’s Hymn to the Sun is a poem that is very important to ancient Egypt. Through the use of imagery and personification, it is visible that Akhenaten is showing his devotion to Aten though vivid and hyperbolized language and diligent piety. It also not only shows homage to the god Aten, it shows the reverence and importance they give to their gods. Akhenaten was the first pharaoh in Egypt to implement a monotheism in a primarily polytheist culture; his infatuation with Aten was so high that he even called himself the son of Aten. His passion with the sun god, Aten, was extreme and believed his was the only god that should be worshiped indulgently. In this poem, Akhenaten regards Aten as the reason for living, the light (Sun), and the protector of all things, animal or man. He states, “Once you rose into shining, they lived; when you sink to rest, they shall die. For it is you who are Time itself, the span …show more content…
In this poem, the gods are all-powerful and mighty, but meddle with their human’s lives as they were toys. The gods interfere and control them in whatever way they choose. But in return, the gods listen to their people. When the citizens complain of Gilgamesh’s tyranny, Aruru, the Goddess of Creation, creates Enkidu to balance Gilgamesh’s wild side. Later, Enkidu and Gilgamesh face the beast Humbaba, who alongside the god Shamash, kill it. The gods of Gilgamesh’s story are typical ancient gods; they are quite similar to the Greek gods. They are all-powerful and use their powers to affect the daily lives of each individual under their