GNHU 285 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Stymphalian Birds, Aeson, Pelias
Document Summary
Comes to us as a written exercise, not as the dictation of what an oral poet was saying. Strong indications of influence from epic of gilgamesh and greek heroic myth. Gilgamesh an historical king of uruk in mesopotamia (2600) bc. Opening lines like that of homer"s odyssey. Aruru (goddess of creation) sent a rival, enkidu. Gilgamesh sent out a sacred prostitute to seduce enkidu. Enkidu comes to uruk to prevent gilgamesh from abusing a virgin. After the draw in the wrestling match, they become friends. Anu, god of heaven, sent the bull of heaven to destroy them, but was killed. Enkidu"s death from illness sent by ishatr. Gilgamesh asks siduri, goddess of wine/wisdom, quest to find utnapishtim, survivor of great. Enlil interceded for him bc of his service during the flood. The test of sleep, herb eaten by snake. Went back to uruk and engraved his tale on a stone. Understandable dichotomy in a cult where civilization behan.
