Gilgamesh Dialectical Journal

Response Paper 1 In many cultures people used stories as a way of passing down their customs, beliefs, and to teach their children life lessons. People of ancient Mesopotamia were one of the many civilizations that used stories to explain their way of life and customs. Mesopotamian theology offers a vision of the afterlife that is not optimistic. They believed death was inevitable; even Gilgamesh who was two-thirds god and one-third human was mortal. Enlil of the mountain stated in the Epic of Gilgamesh “...O’ Gilgamesh this is the meaning of your dream. You were given the kingship, such as your destiny, everlasting life was not your destiny…” Although after the death of Enkidu he grieves and is terrified his day to die is approaching.
Eminem has a history of drug abuse and adultery but is revered by millions of people. He rose from poverty to become famous and wealthy. Some may say he is the king of the rap industry. Gilgamesh was admired for his physical strength. The trapper’s father said “My son, Uruk lives Gilgamesh, no one has ever prevailed against him, he is strong as a star from heaven.” Eminem is admired for his strength in his lyrics. Gilgamesh lost his friend Enkidu which made him realize “what my brother is now I shall be when I am dead. Because I am afraid of my own death I will go as best I can to find Utnapishtim whom they call the Faraway, for he has entered eternal life.” Eminem lost custody of his daughter because of drug abuse and realized he would never see her again unless he changed his ways. Both Gilgamesh and Eminem had tragic events occur in their lives before reality finally set in.Every true hero knows that he did not get to where he is by himself and they consistently gives credit to other people or divinities for their
If you are not willing to give your life for the cause which you support, then nobody would look up to you and the people will think of you as a coward or a phony. Gilgamesh shows his willingness to give himself for his kingdom numerous times throughout the epic. When he fights Humbaba, he knows he could very likely die, but to rid the world of this terrible beast and make his people safe he knew it was worth more than his life. The same thing is true when he kills the bull sent from the sky. Gilgamesh could have easily fled to save his own life but instead he stayed and defended his people when they needed him the most. He knowingly risked his life so that no more of the innocent citizens of Uruk would be killed. When Gilgamesh went in search for immortality, he faced many dangerous situations, but he knew if he could find the secret to immortality he would be able to lead his kingdom longer. Also the elders in his village would be able to council him for many more years to come, and everyone is his city would become