gaby's blog

Were there any salient points that stuck with you from the video we watched in class? How do insights from this video change or shape your thoughts on The Epic of Gilgamesh ?             There were a few salient points from the video that stuck with me. One point that stuck with me was the fact that The Epic of Gilgamesh was written on a clay tablet in cuneiform. Because this story was written on a clay tablet, many parts of the story are missing. I found this very interesting because, the beginning or end of this story will never be known. The only part of The Epic of Gilgamesh  that was recovered is the middle portion.             Another point that stuck with me from the video is the fact that Gilgamesh's story is so well known. I was under the impression that not many people knew about The Epic of Gilgamesh. However, the video that we watched in class showed me that the story   is extremely well known and loved ...

How does catharsis relate Gilgamesh's realization of his own mortality? What prompts Gilgamesh to confront his own mortality?             Catharsis relates to Gilgamesh's realization of his own mortality because, catharsis can be a state of moral renewal. Gilgamesh's relationship with Enkidu helps him to eventually reach a state of catharsis. Enkidu helped Gilgamesh to realize that he was human, Enkidu was his one true companion and friend. Enkidu taught him how to be kind, he also taught him to help others instead of himself. However, it was only after Enkidu's death that Gilgamesh reached a true state of catharsis.             After Enkidu's death, Gilgamesh felt true pain. He grieved for his companion, Gilgamesh even said, "My cheeks are hollow and my heart is heavy because my brother is dead. Enkidu, my beloved companion, is dead". Enkidu's death made Gilgamesh realize that one day he too would die. Enkidu was a brave, ki...

Who do we blame for Enkidu's death? How does the saga of Enkidu answer our essential question: Are hero's always heroic? Use examples from the text to support your answer.             Enkidu's death can be blamed on both the gods of the heavens and Humbaba. The demon Humbaba placed a curse upon Enkidu before Gilgamesh killed him. Tablet Five states, " Humbaba cursed Enkidu. 'Neither of you will grow old; Gilgamesh will bury you'". The gods of the heavens can also be blamed for Enkidu's death. The gods held a council in which they decided that Enkidu should die because he was involved in the death of Humbaba. The god Enlil said "One of these two must die. Let it be Enkidu".             However, someone who should not be blamed for the death of Enkidu is Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh and Enkidu were very close companions; Gilgamesh grieved after Enkidu's death. Tablet Nine states that Gilgamesh was "Howling his grief, he chased the win...

Compare the traits of Gilgamesh and Enkidu. How are they alike, how are they different? Find a quote to support your answer.             Gilgamesh and Enkidu were quite different from each other. Gilgamesh was known for being quite narcissistic and rude, he even said "I am king without equal". He also treated the people in his village terribly and was obsessed with being well known. Meanwhile, Enkidu was known for being a kind and helpful man . For example, when Enkidu heard of the unjust actions Gilgamesh was committing, he immediately wanted to help. "Angered, Enkidu proclaimed, 'I will go to Uruk. I will challenge Gilgamesh'".             However, Gilgamesh and Enkidu did have several traits in common. For example, both men fought for causes that they felt were just. Gilgamesh and Enkidu were also known for being extremely strong. The goddess Aruru created Gilgamesh and Enkidu and gave both of them their great strength. "T...