The Epic of Gilgamesh
There are many inferences readers can make from the Epic of Gilgamesh about Mesopotamian cities, politics, and religion. Gilgamesh’s personality, background, journey, and beliefs can relate to each of these aspects of Mesopotamia. Mesopotamian politics can be learned through Gilgamesh and the way he controls Uruk and the people of Uruk. The religion of the Mesopotamian people can directly relate to the people of Uruk and the Gods and Goddesses in this epic poem. Lastly, you can obtain a better understanding of Mesopotamian cities through the city of Uruk’s accomplishments as well as their flaws. Overall, The Epic of Gilgamesh can be used as a primary source for a better understanding Mesopotamian cities, politics, and religion.
In Uruk, Gilgamesh and the people of Uruk focus a great deal on the Gods and Goddesses for blessings, advice, and help when needed. The people of Uruk depend immensely on the Gods and Goddesses for everything they need and desire. Therefore their religious life revolves solely around them. Due to the constant dependency and need for the Gods and Goddesses in this epic poem, you can infer that Gods were very important in religion in Mesopotamia. Anu, the God of creation was the God responsible for creating Enkidu, Gilgamesh, and the rest of the people of Uruk. He created Enkidu because he heard the people of Uruk’s lament about Gilgamesh and their desperate need for someone to match his strength and power. Anu also created the Bull of Heaven for his daughter, Ishtar, to defeat Gilgamesh for insulting her (87). Mesopotamians believed that God’s had the power the control their destiny, for example in The Epic of Gilgamesh, Enlil had decreed the destiny of Gilgamesh and therefore could control his dreams (70). Thirdly, the people of Uruk made sacrifices for the God’s when they were in need of advice or a blessing. For example, Gilgamesh brought two kids to give to Shamash before he asked for his protection against Humbaba and during his journey
In Uruk, Gilgamesh and the people of Uruk focus a great deal on the Gods and Goddesses for blessings, advice, and help when needed. The people of Uruk depend immensely on the Gods and Goddesses for everything they need and desire. Therefore their religious life revolves solely around them. Due to the constant dependency and need for the Gods and Goddesses in this epic poem, you can infer that Gods were very important in religion in Mesopotamia. Anu, the God of creation was the God responsible for creating Enkidu, Gilgamesh, and the rest of the people of Uruk. He created Enkidu because he heard the people of Uruk’s lament about Gilgamesh and their desperate need for someone to match his strength and power. Anu also created the Bull of Heaven for his daughter, Ishtar, to defeat Gilgamesh for insulting her (87). Mesopotamians believed that God’s had the power the control their destiny, for example in The Epic of Gilgamesh, Enlil had decreed the destiny of Gilgamesh and therefore could control his dreams (70). Thirdly, the people of Uruk made sacrifices for the God’s when they were in need of advice or a blessing. For example, Gilgamesh brought two kids to give to Shamash before he asked for his protection against Humbaba and during his journey