Introduction
The Epic of Gilgamesh, an ancient Sumerian text, provides valuable insights into the values and moral ideas of the Sumerian civilization. As an epic literature piece, it serves as a window into the cultural beliefs and expectations of the ancient Sumerians. Through the characters’ decisions, actions, and interactions, we can discern the importance of certain ideas and behaviors to the Sumerians. This essay will explore the values that were important to the Sumerians, their expectations of rulers, and the values they wanted their heroes to embody, using specific examples from the epic to support these arguments.
Values Important to the Sumerians
The Pursuit of Glory and Fame: The Sumerians placed great importance on achieving glory and leaving a lasting legacy. In the epic, Gilgamesh is driven by a desire for fame and immortality. He seeks to accomplish great feats and be remembered throughout history. This value is exemplified in Enkidu’s words to Gilgamesh: “You are strong, but what is your strength when compared to mine? You have no father and no mother, and the deeds you have done are nothing!” (Tablet II). Here, Enkidu challenges Gilgamesh’s desire for personal glory.
Loyalty and Friendship: Loyalty and friendship were highly valued in Sumerian society. The friendship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu is a central theme in the epic. They support and protect each other, demonstrating loyalty and trust. For example, when Enkidu dies, Gilgamesh mourns deeply and embarks on a quest for immortality to honor his friend. This loyalty is evident in Gilgamesh’s words: “I will mourn for him bitterly all the days of my life” (Tablet VII).
Respect for the Divine: The Sumerians held a deep reverence for their gods and believed in their power and influence over human affairs. The gods played a significant role in the epic, shaping the narrative and impacting the lives of the characters. Gilgamesh seeks divine advice and protection throughout his journey. For instance, he prays to Shamash, the sun god, before challenging Humbaba: “O Shamash, grant me victory” (Tablet V). This demonstrates the Sumerians’ belief in the importance of seeking divine guidance.
Expectations of Rulers
The Sumerians had certain expectations of their rulers based on their values and beliefs:
Protection and Justice: Rulers were expected to protect their people from external threats and uphold justice within their societies. Gilgamesh is initially depicted as a tyrannical ruler who abuses his power. However, after his friendship with Enkidu is forged, he learns humility and becomes a more just king. This transformation reflects the Sumerians’ expectation of rulers to act in the best interest of their subjects.
Wisdom and Leadership: Rulers were expected to possess wisdom and exhibit strong leadership qualities. In Tablet II, Enkidu advises Gilgamesh on how to be a good king: “Be wise, Gilgamesh, take some advice from me… Be not haughty, lest your heart be filled with arrogance” (Tablet II). This suggests that rulers should be humble and open to counsel.
Values Embodied by Heroes
Heroes in Sumerian culture were expected to embody certain values:
Courage and Bravery: Heroes were admired for their bravery in the face of danger. Gilgamesh exemplifies this through his willingness to confront various challenges. For instance, he embarks on a perilous journey to fight Humbaba despite knowing the risks involved.
Perseverance: Heroes were expected to persevere through adversity and demonstrate resilience. Gilgamesh’s quest for immortality showcases his determination to overcome obstacles and achieve his goals.
Reflection on Mortality: Heroes were often confronted with questions about mortality and the meaning of life. In Tablet IX, Gilgamesh is faced with his own mortality after losing his dear friend Enkidu. This prompts him to reflect on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death.
Conclusion
The Epic of Gilgamesh provides valuable insights into the values and moral ideas of ancient Sumerians. Through an exploration of specific examples from the epic, we can discern the importance of values such as the pursuit of glory, loyalty and friendship, respect for the divine, protection and justice in rulers, courage and bravery in heroes, as well as reflection on mortality. It is through these values that we gain a deeper understanding of the cultural beliefs and expectations that shaped ancient Sumerian society.
Our orders are delivered strictly on time without delay 
