Symbolism In The Epic Of Gilgamesh
1100 Words5 Pages
Symbolism in general is the building blocks to all sources of literature and can shape a piece of writing in many ways. Symbols in general can portray what something or someone represents, giving a deeper and metaphorical meaning to a symbol. Symbolism is often used within poetry, literature, music, or even art. This is how an author conveys a different meaning to the audience. For example artists may use the color “red” not only because of the color theory, but to convey love, passion, and maybe even health. The Epic of Gilgamesh is an example of a piece of literature that uses symbolism frequently. For example, it uses “garden” meaning paradise and even refers to The Garden of Eden.In the Epic of Gilgamesh by anonymous, the symbols cedar meaning immortality, mountains which represents proximity to the gods, and gates and portals symbolizing a passage to the unknown are very important within the epic itself.
Cedar within the epic does not only mean a tree, but has a deeper definition as well. Cedar can often represent immortality because it doesn’t decay and it is very hard to break. It is also prized by the gods and humans alike because of the fragrant scent and if you were to obtain one, it would show wealth, and strength. In the Epic of Gilgamesh, Lady Ishtar descends from the heavens after Gilgamesh and Enkidu conquered Humaba, she demanded Gilgamesh to be her lover. She then says as a promise to Gilgamesh, “You shall enter our house beneath the fragrance of cedars”