The Epic of Gilgamesh :: essays research papers

The Epic of GilgameshQuestions for Analysis 1-61. What was the Mesopotamian view of the afterlife?2. What is the message of Siduris advice to Gilgamesh?3. Consider Utnapishtims initial response to Gilgameshs re pick up for the secret of eternal life. How does his message complement what Siduri has said?4. Consider the story of Utnapishtim. What do the various actions of the gods and goddesses allow us to infer about how the Mesopotamians viewed their deities?5. match to the epic, what are the respective roles of the gods and humans? What do the Mesopotamian deities require of military man? What do humans expect of their gods?6. What wisdom has Gilgamesh gained from his epic struggles? How has he changed as result of his quest?1.The Mesopotamians viewed the afterlife as a place of darkness where there was no return when entered. It was ruled by the Queen of the Underworld, Ereshkigal, who was accompanied by her recorder, Belit-Sheri. From reading the poem, it was conceit of as a ba ron place where the dead wandered and little else existed. Those who were kings and high priests were now servants for the gods. Its definitely portrayed as a place one(a) wouldnt look forward to, and thats the dilemma that Gilgamesh contemplates.2.Siduris message to Gilgamesh is to enjoy the life he was given and the life he retained. His days on Earth should be spent eating, being merry, and take care of his child. Essentially, the main idea is that at some point the life of man comes to end and its in gods hands. 3.Utnapishtim complements Siduris message by giving analogies in regards to the fact that end is unexpected. Nothing is permanent or certain bar death. You could build a house thats believed to stand forever, but is it really true? Does an agreement hold for all time? These are the examples Utnapishtim gives. While death is certain, the time it occurs is not known by man.4.About religion in general, whenever man defies god, his existence, or his actions, its considere d to be an act of defiance and they are to cheek punishment. With this in my mind, we can infer that at a time where man was expanding in Mesopotamia, the belief in the gods and goddesses was declining. Thus, the punishment from the infuriated gods was to eliminate them all. 5.Mesopotamian deities required humanity to worship and praise them. Basically, they were to be their servants.