One
thing that tells us about ancient Mesopotamian society is the god-like
status it accorded to kings. Gilgamesh isn't just the ruler of Uruk; he is two-thirds god and
one-third man. This divine nature gives him the right to rule over his people however he
pleases. Such vast untrammeled power is wide open to abuse, and Gilgamesh abuses his power by
terrorizing his people, especially young women, who are regularly violated by their monstrous
king.
But because Gilgamesh is two-thirds god, no one dares to challenge his
reign of terror. It's only when the gods themselves intervene, by creating Enkidu, that
Gilgamesh is finally forced to change his ways. This tells us a lot about Mesopotamian society
and its values. People instinctively look to the gods, rather than their rulers, to right
wrongs. Kings can be good, bad, or indifferent, but only the gods can bring about justice in the
long-term, through directly intervening in human affairs.
Such a passive
mindset explains...
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