James Whitaker
Dr. Pratt
GPS 210
12/4/2017
The Special Role of the Woman
Woman may never have quite as much power as the kings but they
are still very special and unique creatures. Loving and nurturing are traits
that are simply in their nature. Women can be sympathetic, sincere,
affectionate, and gentle. But at the same time, they can be very strong and
passionate. Due to women’s unique qualities that they possess, it is clear
that men need woman to overcome crisis. In the story “The Epic of
Gilgamesh” it directly shows the important role that women may play in
certain situations. In “The Epic of Gilgamesh” the main characters name is
Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh is the king of Uruk and he is said to be the strongest
of men as well as a heroic warrior. He is two thirds-god like and only one
third-mortal. Thus, making him superior to others. Throughout the story
Gilgamesh is faced with numerous obstacles and difficulties that he must
overcome. Throughout these hardships Gilgamesh seeks his mother,
Ninsum, for guidance. When Gilgamesh’s best friend, Enkidu, dies he begins
to struggle inside emotionally. He then looks toward Siduri, a female tavern
keeper, to comfort him in his recent loss. Without the love and support of
these two females, Gilgamesh might have broken down mentally and not
been able to continue being the warrior he was.
When Gilgamesh and his best friend Enkidu, “…the heroic duo…”(35)
decide to kill the Bull of Heaven, the gods make a decision that the duo has
taken it too far this time. Upon their conclusion the gods decide that one of
the members of the “heroic duo” must be killed to restore order. Because of
Gilgamesh’s accolades as well as being king, Enkidu is killed and Gilgamesh
is left devastated. “He mourns for Enkidu bitterly for seven days and nights
and only when a worm creeps out of the corpse’s nose does he accept that
his friend is dead” (35). Gilgamesh’s experience with death causes him to
really put things into perspective. He realizes that death I a reality that one
