The Power of the Gods

A recurring element in "The Epic of Gilgamesh" which I consider a theme is the power of the gods. The gods have seemingly infinite power and can use it for their own bidding. As a result of this power the gods play a crucial role in the events of the story.

Because the Gods have such power over what happens, the characters try to please the gods so they will act favorably to the humans. Typically, humans would try to please the gods while avoiding angering them at all costs. This was apparent when the gods created Enkidu in response the pleas of the old men of Uruk.  The gods have so much power that Gilgamesh, a proud demi god,  begs them to spare his friend Enkidu from certain death. Gilgamesh however prayed to the god Shamash in the days leading up to his violent encounter with the demon Humbaba. Because of his prayers, Shamash released storms on Humbaba, helping Gilgamesh and Enkidu in their quest to kill the demon. Unlike in modern day religions in which God(s) are seen as divine characters that resemble purity and perfection, the Gods of Uruk displayed human like deficiencies. For example, the goddess Ishtar showed excessive infatuation towards Gilgamesh when he returned to Uruk from his conflct with Humbaba. So excessive in fact that when Gilgamesh rejected her advances she grew bitter and begged her mother and father to unleash the Bull from Heaven on Uruk and Gilgamesh. Ishtar displayed through her jealousy and resentment that although th Gods are powerful, they are by no means symbols of goodness and perfection.

Because the gods  hold extreme power and abilities as well as the fact that they are somewhat human- like in that they are not perfect, they can do almost anything. Furthermore many of their actions lead to actions of other gods which causes a ripple effect and is what keeps the story going. For example Aruru creates Enkidu to counteract the creation of Gilgamesh. As Gilgamesh and Enkidu face Humbaba, Shamash helps the pair defeat the demon which infuriates Enlil. Because of the success Ishtar feels drawn to Gilgamesh who declines her. Because of this Ishtar releases the Bull from Heaven which Enkidu kills and taunts Ishstar with. Finally the gods counsel and bring about Enkidu's death from sickness which causes Gilgamesh (the demi god) to mourn and beg for Enkidu's well being. This chain of events is started, carried out, and ended by a god or gods.

There is no doubt that the gods hold immense power. It is also obvious that it is because of that power that the gods shape the events in "The Epic of Gilgamesh".