The gods and their relation and hierarchy with humans present one of the main themes in The Epic of Gilgamesh. This essay will focus on the gods in the story and explore their nature and motives.
In the story, gods are described with a close resemblance to humans, and their motives and attitudes are often similar to humans. The gods in the poem share a caring nature and attitude for humans, contrasting with other familiar epic poems that frequently focus on gods’ selfishness and will to gain more power. Because they are not that much different from humans besides their powers and immortality, they are not thoroughly evil or good. However, they are establishing a good toward humanity should strive through their ability to influence humans. The gods in the story also present a higher judging force that could punish humanity for their wrongdoings.
Even though the gods are close to humans in the aspect of their emotions and attitudes, they are still way higher in the hierarchy, meaning that they are detached from humans. They do not like to show their faces in interactions and only communicate with people through dreams (Jackson, 16). Gilgamesh, who is two-thirds god and one-third man, carries more humanity than all of the other gods. The human aspect of his nature and origin means that he is freer to develop and grow as an individual and free to define his morality.
In conclusion, the story explores the gods’ nature by focusing on their ability to control humanity. From the beginning of The Epic of Gilgamesh, the gods were directing people to the greater good and protect and support humanity. However, with time gods became more controlling, and instead of helping people and answering their prayers, they turned into order and control.
Work Cited
Jackson, Danny P. The Epic of Gilgamesh. Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers, 1997.