Traditionally women are viewed as influential figures in today's society as well as in the Epic of Gilgamesh. Women provide guidance in shaping the character of Gilgamesh. Throughout his journey, Gilgamesh is influenced by three important women: Shamhat, a seductive love priestess, Ninsun, Gilgamesh's mother, and Shiduri, the goddess of brewing and wisdom. Commencing with the threat that Enkidu posed to the trappers livelihood he seeked help from Gilgamesh later to receive assistance from Shamhat. This became the beginning of shaping Gilgamesh’s character. Later Gilgamesh approaches his mother for advice about odd dreams. Dangerous journeys cause Ninsun to worry and act out in a motherly and wise manner. Finally after a long expedition to seek
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Shamhat also known as “The Joyous One” is a priestess of Ishtar, the patron deity of Uruk as well as the goddess of war and sexual love. Shamhat’s job is being the love priestess of Uruk. Shamhat then begins the process of civilizing Enkidu. This process is shown through the text by stating, “She used her love-arts, she took his breath with her kisses, held nothing back, and showed him what a women is” (Mitchell 79). After being in contact with a woman Enkidu was tamed. The kisses, the passionate breathing, and sexual tension between Enkidu and Shamhat caused Enkidu to transform, he was civilized and more humanistic. The awakening of the human characteristics Enkidu represented instead of the wild animal encouraged Shamhat to influence Enkidu into returning to the city of Uruk. Shamhat states, “ Every day is a festival in Uruk, with people singing and dancing in the streets” (Mitchell 81). Her words of persuasion became a reality as Enkidu joined Shamhat back to the city of Uruk. Later after a great battle Enkidu becomes the other half of Gilgamesh. Shamhat shaped Gilgamesh's journey, fate and character because she is responsible for the civilization of Gilgamesh’s other half Enkidu. Gilgamesh did not need to confront his battles alone, he had found his “equal”, a brother who is loyal and will stand by his side through every …show more content…
Ninsun is the mother of Gilgamesh,“Lady of the Wild Cows” she was known for her wisdom. In the Epic of Gilgamesh, she gives forth a motherly aspect as opposed to Gilgamesh's father Lugalbanda who was notable absence. Ninsun provided guidance as well as retainable advice for Gilgamesh. Her advice originates from her wisdom. Ninsun interprets one of gilgamesh's dream, a dream described as a sign of an arrival. “Dearest child, this bright star from heaven this huge boulder that you could not lift - it stands for a dear friend, a mighty hero” (Mitchell 83). It is the arrival of Enkidu, a man who will be loyal and stand by Gilgamesh's side through the “greatest dangers”. Gilgamesh having an advance interpretation of his dream was able to adapt kindness and acceptance towards Enkidu as opposed to envy. Ninsun also carries out a motherly character it is shown later when she adopts Enkidu as her son. As well as when she prepares herself to pray to the lord of heaven for both Gilgamesh and Enkidu's protection, “Lord of heaven, you have granted my son beauty and strength and courage - why have you burdened him with a restless heart?” (Mitchell 99). Ninsun is worried because there is a slight possibility that she may lose her son carrying out the characteristics a mother will feel towards her son. Ninsun is an important factor in shaping Gilgamesh's journey and self character because she
Shamhat also known as “The Joyous One” is a priestess of Ishtar, the patron deity of Uruk as well as the goddess of war and sexual love. Shamhat’s job is being the love priestess of Uruk. Shamhat then begins the process of civilizing Enkidu. This process is shown through the text by stating, “She used her love-arts, she took his breath with her kisses, held nothing back, and showed him what a women is” (Mitchell 79). After being in contact with a woman Enkidu was tamed. The kisses, the passionate breathing, and sexual tension between Enkidu and Shamhat caused Enkidu to transform, he was civilized and more humanistic. The awakening of the human characteristics Enkidu represented instead of the wild animal encouraged Shamhat to influence Enkidu into returning to the city of Uruk. Shamhat states, “ Every day is a festival in Uruk, with people singing and dancing in the streets” (Mitchell 81). Her words of persuasion became a reality as Enkidu joined Shamhat back to the city of Uruk. Later after a great battle Enkidu becomes the other half of Gilgamesh. Shamhat shaped Gilgamesh's journey, fate and character because she is responsible for the civilization of Gilgamesh’s other half Enkidu. Gilgamesh did not need to confront his battles alone, he had found his “equal”, a brother who is loyal and will stand by his side through every …show more content…
Ninsun is the mother of Gilgamesh,“Lady of the Wild Cows” she was known for her wisdom. In the Epic of Gilgamesh, she gives forth a motherly aspect as opposed to Gilgamesh's father Lugalbanda who was notable absence. Ninsun provided guidance as well as retainable advice for Gilgamesh. Her advice originates from her wisdom. Ninsun interprets one of gilgamesh's dream, a dream described as a sign of an arrival. “Dearest child, this bright star from heaven this huge boulder that you could not lift - it stands for a dear friend, a mighty hero” (Mitchell 83). It is the arrival of Enkidu, a man who will be loyal and stand by Gilgamesh's side through the “greatest dangers”. Gilgamesh having an advance interpretation of his dream was able to adapt kindness and acceptance towards Enkidu as opposed to envy. Ninsun also carries out a motherly character it is shown later when she adopts Enkidu as her son. As well as when she prepares herself to pray to the lord of heaven for both Gilgamesh and Enkidu's protection, “Lord of heaven, you have granted my son beauty and strength and courage - why have you burdened him with a restless heart?” (Mitchell 99). Ninsun is worried because there is a slight possibility that she may lose her son carrying out the characteristics a mother will feel towards her son. Ninsun is an important factor in shaping Gilgamesh's journey and self character because she