The Role of Women in the Epic of Gilgamesh Anonymous 11th Grade

The Epic of Gilgamesh took place in ancient Mesopotamia, during a time where people were transitioning from a nomadic lifestyle to one where people were settled. Although this was a huge leap in the development of civilizations, women’s roles in daily life began to decline. Since more people were gathered in one place, all of the men took on roles such as farming or selling goods, and women were demoted to the household. Therefore, they were thought of as less than the men since they weren’t making money for their families. In the epic of Gilgamesh, women do not play major roles. This is because of their place in society during the time the story is being told. However, they add much significance and meaning to the story. Each woman in the story serves as a source of wisdom and guidance for the men, However, they initially attempt to mask this wisdom and intelligence with romantic or womanly energy in order to lure the man in, making him more perceptive to the wisdom they are giving him. They do this because in ancient Mesopotamia, women were not thought of as valuable sources of wisdom. They were only valued for their ability to do domestic work and to pleasure men romantically. Each woman precedes her giving of guidance with...