Examples Of Warrior Values In The Epic Of Gilgamesh

The Epic of Gilgamesh Gilgamesh uses warrior values to motivate himself and those around him. The Sumerians, which were Gilgamesh’s people, were located in Mesopotamia. The Sumerians expanded and developed the city of Uruk. The Sumerians survived due to their expansion of wheat and irrigation system. They prayed to their gods and went to the temple to bring upon blessings. Though we see priestly values in The Epic of Gilgamesh, warrior values hold more power in Gilgamesh’s life through out the story. There are two values portrayed in The Epic of Gilgamesh. Warrior values are characteristics seen as in which a ruler should have or shall develop through out their life. Priestly values are focused on receiving eternal life. These values are both seen in The Epic of Gilgamesh but one has a greater relevance in Gilgamesh’s heroic story.

He focused much of his life on warrior values. It was not until near the end in which he begun to pursue these priestly values. Gilgamesh was able to realize that priestly values would allow him to achieve eternal life. He started seeking priestly values after the tragic death of his friend Enkidu. This event leads him to Unapishtim where he sought out what priestly values he must have to achieve eternal death like the other gods. Unapishtim told him that he must pass a test of no sleep for 6 nights and 7 days. Gilgamesh was unable to pass this test showing that he did not have priestly values. Through realizing that he does not have priestly values he says, “wherever I turn, there is death!” (11. 249) Gilgamesh has come to the realization that he cannot escape death, which shows his priestly values will not give him eternal