What is an epic? The epic is traditionally defined as a long narrative poem which relates the adventures, journeys and deeds of a central hero. These narrative poems are the oldest known works of literature and some, like Gilgamesh, even date back to pre-history - the time period prior to the invention of written language. These stories persevered through a time without written language by means of oral story telling - the prominent way for ancient cultures to pass on knowledge from generation to generation - until they eventually became recorded through written language and have survived until this day. But why do we continue to read epics in this day and age? Being so old, how can they provide us with any value relevant to our lives?
[...] Sita considers suicide many times while away from Rama and enters a burning fire willing to die for Rama to prove her fidelity. Until recently, it was common for Indian women to burn themselves alive in the event of their husband's death. We see a woman's place as utterly subordinate to man in ancient Indian culture continuing all the way until very recently. Through the ancient epics of Gilgamesh and Ramayana, we learn much about the world of ancient civilizations and also gain universal wisdom in the process. We see [...]
[...] Though the common people in Gilgamesh revere him for his unparalleled strength and courage, he does not begin the story as the ideal form of man because he rules his people unjustly. “Gilgamesh sounds the tocsin for his amusement; his arrogance has no bounds by day or night. No son is left with his father, for Gilgamesh takes them all, even the children; yet the king should be shepherd to his people” (13). One of the main motifs in the epic is the notion of leading by example - being a “shepherd” of the people. [...]
[...] The pursuit of “wealth and pleasure” disobeys the teachings of dharma so Rama does not value them; as well, he submits effortlessly to the will of his parents and elders. The demon-god Ravana, is the source of the greatest conflict in Ramayana; he steals Rama's wife Suti, and also embodies the characteristics of evil: one against dharma, one in the pursuit of “wealth and pleasure.” Though Ravana lives in a hedonistic paradise of extreme wealth and pleasure, his desire remains insatiable as he abducts Sita and pursues her as another wife (932). [...]
[...] Though women are not prominently featured in the story, they do occupy essential roles and these roles supply information about the perception and place of women. The harlot fornicates with Enkidu and provides him with the wisdom of man. She tells Enkidu, are wise, Enkidu, and now you have become like a god. Why do you want to fun wild with the beasts in the hills? Come with me (15). Without this woman, Gilgamesh and Enkidu would never have become friends and the story would not have unfolded. [...]
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