Nature and Human Nature What is the difference between humans and nature? What is the relationship between supernatural beings and humans? Although the former may take a while to reach to a convincible answer, the answer of the later can be obtained through history and literal texts. In the fascinating yet somewhat poignant epic, The Epic of Gilgamesh, the eponymous protagonist experiences the vicissitudes of life- the power as a king, the loss of his alter ego, and the epiphany of the fact that immortality for humans is impossible. Gilgamesh, the symbol of civilization and human beings, attempts to confront the nature- the Gods- numerous times, exemplifying the stark difference in nature and beliefs. The author of the epic depicts the supernatural
…show more content…
Humbaba, the monster in Cedar Forest, serves as a guardian in the forest. His monstrous image causes humans to be afraid. When Gilgamsh and Enkidu have defeated him, he begs for his life, promising Gilgamesh his loyalty and will “dwell here for [him]” as his servant. However, is Humbaba a hideous creature? The answer is in fact no. He is only the guardian of the forest, and the God Enlil appoints him for this duty. He only serves as a creature to forbid the humans to cut the trees. Another monster that is also a messenger of God is the Bull of Heaven. The Bull is sent down due to Ishtar’s anger. It “rampages down Euphrates, lowering its water level with great gulps and opening up enormous pits in the ground with tis snorts,” causing calamities on the Earth. Nevertheless, the Bull is not the one to blame. The Gods, who appoint it to destroy the world, free it. It is nothing but a messenger of the Gods, or a symbol of God’s anger. In conclusion, these supernatural creatures simply serve as emissaries for the …show more content…
God, or nature, has a complicated relationship with humans. Although both Gods and humans intervene each other, there is no doubt that humans lack such omnipotence God possesses. The infamous flood and the Bull of Heaven are symbols of Gods’ power. The humans have to exude their piety towards the Divine; otherwise they will suffer from Gods’ power. It is also tangible that humans yearn for that devastating power. When Gilgamesh witnesses his friend, Enkidu’s death, he is compelled to have immortality. Gilgamesh goes on a journey to see Utanapishtim, a man who has survived the disastrous flood. He asks Utanapishtim the means to live eternally, but Utanapishtim “chides Gilgamesh for his self-pity and ostentatious mourning,” pointing out Gilgamesh’s fragile mentality. Gilgamesh then learns the dreadfulness of death: “No one sees death, No one [hears] the voice of death, But cruel death cuts off mankind.” The Gods can ignore Death, but humans can only long for such relief Gods have. Despite the fact that humans, like Gilgamesh, are capable of intervening with Gods’ moods, humans are both helpless and hapless in the face of God’s power. Humans try to balance the power of God, or nature, by having civilization and rationalism. Nonetheless, death is enough to explain human’s futile attempts to confront
Humbaba, the monster in Cedar Forest, serves as a guardian in the forest. His monstrous image causes humans to be afraid. When Gilgamsh and Enkidu have defeated him, he begs for his life, promising Gilgamesh his loyalty and will “dwell here for [him]” as his servant. However, is Humbaba a hideous creature? The answer is in fact no. He is only the guardian of the forest, and the God Enlil appoints him for this duty. He only serves as a creature to forbid the humans to cut the trees. Another monster that is also a messenger of God is the Bull of Heaven. The Bull is sent down due to Ishtar’s anger. It “rampages down Euphrates, lowering its water level with great gulps and opening up enormous pits in the ground with tis snorts,” causing calamities on the Earth. Nevertheless, the Bull is not the one to blame. The Gods, who appoint it to destroy the world, free it. It is nothing but a messenger of the Gods, or a symbol of God’s anger. In conclusion, these supernatural creatures simply serve as emissaries for the …show more content…
God, or nature, has a complicated relationship with humans. Although both Gods and humans intervene each other, there is no doubt that humans lack such omnipotence God possesses. The infamous flood and the Bull of Heaven are symbols of Gods’ power. The humans have to exude their piety towards the Divine; otherwise they will suffer from Gods’ power. It is also tangible that humans yearn for that devastating power. When Gilgamesh witnesses his friend, Enkidu’s death, he is compelled to have immortality. Gilgamesh goes on a journey to see Utanapishtim, a man who has survived the disastrous flood. He asks Utanapishtim the means to live eternally, but Utanapishtim “chides Gilgamesh for his self-pity and ostentatious mourning,” pointing out Gilgamesh’s fragile mentality. Gilgamesh then learns the dreadfulness of death: “No one sees death, No one [hears] the voice of death, But cruel death cuts off mankind.” The Gods can ignore Death, but humans can only long for such relief Gods have. Despite the fact that humans, like Gilgamesh, are capable of intervening with Gods’ moods, humans are both helpless and hapless in the face of God’s power. Humans try to balance the power of God, or nature, by having civilization and rationalism. Nonetheless, death is enough to explain human’s futile attempts to confront