The Epic Of Gilgamesh Essay

One of the greatest stories ever told, the Epic of Gilgamesh narrates the story of a king who did not treat his people right but matured into a shepherd to his people and learned about the great love of friendship. Because of its greatness it has been passed down through the centuries and withstood the test of time. At the beginning of the epic Gilgamesh’s “arrogance has no bounds by day or night” (1). His people do not hold respect for their king because he does not act as a shepherd to his people. Instead, “Gilgamesh sounds the tocsin for his amusement” which the people deplore. They also loath that Gilgamesh takes all of the children from their mothers and fathers, with no respect towards their wishes. Therefore at the beginning of the epic, Gilgamesh preforms as an abominable king who does not respect and tend to his people. By the end of the epic Gilgamesh looses his old ways. Developing into a compassionate king, he no longer acts hostile, but becomes a Shepherd to his people. Maturing into a heroic man, Gilgamesh goes on adventures and makes his name known. Most of this character …show more content…
Centered-around a great hero, their culture is represented by this hero who displays their values and highest ideals. A belief that is show is that Mesopotamian society believed that a king should be a shepherd to his people and a just ruler. From this epic it can also be gleamed that the Mesopotamian society believed in many gods who have relationships and pick their favorite people. Therefore the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the greatest stories ever told, gives insight into Mesopotamian belief and culture. It displays great love between two friends. It shows the struggle of man and how one man attempted to become like a god and live an everlasting life, but failing and instead having his name live on for the rest of