One of the themes in Gilgamesh is the role of women. Throughout The story women have played a major role in the progression of the heroic epic. The role of women has been changing throughout history. Women have been considered to be subordinate to men in all aspects. The changing role of women in Gilgamesh is showing us aspects of woman at that time period. It was written in since the role of women was changing unprecedentedly from wise women to subordination during the Bronze Age.
The characters of Enkidu and Gilgamesh are strong males in this epic. The roles of women in Gilgamesh are submissive and subtle. Most of Women in this ancient Sumerian tale tend to be passive yet ability of influencing the outcome of events. Through the epic of Gilgamesh Enkidu is a greatly force to confront. He is so strong that he is seen as a wild animal in his first appearances in the story. To some degree, the characteristic of Gilgamesh is odd, extraordinary, and marvelous in this epic. Gilgamesh is king of the Uruk and part god and part man is as strong as or even stronger than Enkidu.
The additional considerable character in this epic except Gilgamesh and Enkidu is the harlot (prostitute). The harlot mentioned at in the beginning of the Gilgamesh Epic, is a representation of how women were used as instruments in ancient Mesopotamian society. The Harlot is mentioned very briefly in this Epic despite never being given a name or even a personal quality. Even though no specific description, the harlot dramatically impacts the life of Enkindu in this epic. This is the reason why we have to pay attention to the prostitute is she plays an important role of women in the story. She brought about the conversion of Enkidu from a savage creature to a civilized member of society. The prostitute is used by society as a methood to draw Enkidu in. In my opinion, if there was no intervention of this woman who is prostitute, then Enkidu might not stand by Gilgamesh's side in the adventures to come.
The death of Enkidu is unfortunate and untimely and it is ultimately caused by a woman. What if Gilgamesh had not sent the prostitute into the forest to sleep with Enkidu, could he get know and understand the hardships of being a "real" human? This event which is planned by Gilgamesh is very meaningful and valuable to Enkidu, also modern reader as well. This incident implies and leads people to think and consider about what the meaning of woman is in this time.
To describe the differences and similarities between Gilgamesh and Enkidu in this epic, Gilgamesh is mostly god and is filled with courage, fearless one could say. Enkidu was born of the wild, growing up among the wild animals and learning how to live off the land, so he knows what to fear and what not to. Gilgamesh is arrogant, Enkidu is not. On the other hand, similarities between the two are that they are both strong, almost undefeatable; no match for anyone but the other one.
The function of Gilgamesh takes precedence over his existence as a fully independent character. He does not adopt the ways of the wild, the adventure does clearly reflect new influenced in his life, His foray is driven by values from within the life of the city, but it has effect of removing him from the area of greatest potential responsibility as a ruler. From this perspective, the journey to the Cedar forest might well be seen as postponing adult responsibility in favor or adolescent bran of male bonding.
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