The Moral Downfall and Redemption of King Gilgamesh

Abstract

Gilgamesh Gilgamesh's heroism history dates back to 2100 BC. The Epic of Gilgamesh, written in 2100 BC, is the book that reveals the great history of Gilgamesh, who served as a historical king of the Sumerians city of Uruk. He was a central hero of Mesopotamia whose leadership incorporated both humane and inhumane approaches depicting him as a friendly and immoral character. It is believed that Gilgamesh was a combination of humans and gods, making him the wisest and strongest of all mortals. To this effect, Gilgamesh's destiny defined him as a moral person aimed at achieving greatness through moral approaches. However, Enkidu, "composed by gods to resemble a monster," took down Gilgamesh's morality changing his personality greatly. Unlike Gilgamesh, who was half human and a god, Enkidu was half man and half animal, making Gilgamesh express interest in the monster, not knowing it would tame him down. Enkidu helped Gilgamesh kill the fearless bull Ishtar, "an evil and cruel goddess interested in marrying. Gilgamesh" was sent to challenge him; Gilgamesh expressed his superpower and became the king of Uruk. However, instead of maintaining his moral being, he turned into a cruel king who brutally harassed women. He became so brutal to all that raped women before their wedding day, thus receiving hatred from his followers. In short, instead of expressing moral approaches in leadership as anticipated by his nature, he took advantage of the power vested in him. Gilgamesh thought he was immortal, and so was his friend Enkidu thus expressing cruelty throughout his leadership until Enkidu's death. The reality of the moral nature of Gilgamesh hits him after meeting Utnapishtim (immortal man) while searching for an immoral way to avenge Enkidu's death. Gilgamesh regained his morality after returning to Uruk and died, having not...