Power In The Epic Of Gilgamesh And Valmiki

Words: 2015
Pages: 9

Throughout the course of history and into the heart of modern society, power is an often-recurring concept in both one’s life, as well as, in the literature we read and the movies we watched. Power, like numerous controversial topics, has its own yin and yang, female and male force, that has been developed by humanity's capacity to maintain complex thought processing and decision-making. Epics in antiquity such as, The Epic of Gilgamesh and The Ramayana of Valmiki take a distinctive approach to address the concept of power, primarily through storytelling. These respected works of literature have the intertwining theme that resurfaces in modern compositions, as well as, in situations presented in our lives, which includes the Korean drama Moonlight …show more content…
This cruelty came from his abuse of his power as king and from his ignorance of the consequences. Gilgamesh mercilessly takes the lives of men and rapes brides before their wedding night. Gilgamesh believes that consequences don’t apply to him, for he wears the title as king while taking into account the power he possesses within himself. He was also born two-third god with appealing features and immense physical power that rivaled the gods. Gilgamesh places himself on a high pedestal and therefore he feels untouchable. This notion of power is altered with the arrival of Enkidu and the journey that he shared and experienced with him. Aruru, the goddess of creation, granted Enkidu the power to stand next to Gilgamesh and modify the course of which his ship was sailing. Enkidu brought to light the side of Gilgamesh that Gilgamesh hid away in the darkness of his shadow because he considered Enkidu as his equal and companion. Both individuals undeniably are powerful in their own ways; however, each opt to descend onto a different path concerning the usage of their …show more content…
This version of Gilgamesh was capable of emotion as well as motivated in acting upon these emotions. This epic also introduced the importance of the power of knowledge through Gilgamesh’s journey of discovering his newfound identity. Initially, Gilgamesh was known for his ignorance and arrogance among the subjects. However, after this period, Gilgamesh became more gentle and wise, allowing him to become an exceptional sovereign who left behind a timeless legacy that still lives on today. By going on these journeys of which he planned for himself, he acquired powers that enabled him to better himself and comprehend the concept of death. After the death of Enkidu, he was faced with reality in where death will come to haunt him just as it had taken Enkidu away from him. Driven by this oppressing fear, he proceeded onto his last journey with the goal of achieving immortality in mind. “As for you, Gilgamesh, fill your belly with good things…dance and be merry, feast and rejoice. Let your clothes be fresh, bathe yourself in water, cherish the little child that holds your hand, and make your wife happy in your embrace…” (The Epic of Gilgamesh, 32). Despite not being able to obtain immortality in the end, Gilgamesh was exposed to Siduri’s advice permitting him to live a life of which he’s satisfied with. This is one of his many steps into gaining priceless knowledge and the power