The Epic of Gilgamesh and Modern Age Leader - Essay Example

?The Epic of Gilgamesh and Modern Age Leader The famous and renowned epic of Gilgamesh describes how the power struggle and the display of superiority were important through olden ages. The belief in Gods and the unlimited strengths, they expressed made them strong headed and cruel. Often the people under their commandments seemed like passive sufferers. The current era brought the fear of wars and innocent lives have been sacrificed to gain material means. The kings used to crush nations and subjects under them to prove their power and authority. Nowadays democrats play the same role but in a decent manner. Attaining material gains, logical solution for one nation to impose war against the other. The quality of ruler in olden times was that they portrayed their ruthless attitude in front to show their uncaring approach. But now a day, democracy has learnt tactics to show even the wrong as right and beneficial. The epic of Gilgamesh can be seen many times in history the famous emperors like Julius Cesar, Hitler, Alexander the great and many more faced the similar circumstances and powers. Though none of them possessed the divine qualities of God but they inclination of their actions showed the same result to some extent. Epic of Gilgamesh depicts the proud and powerful demigod who ruled and did what he pleased. His love for challenges endangered his life and he thus lost his friend Enkidu as a consequence. The desire to become immortal took him to different lands and he finally gained the plant of immortality which slipped through his hands by a slithery snake. Now keeping in view the inspiring tale of a brutal warrior and ruler whom gods wanted to rein due to his disobedient and inconsiderate approach; the former President Bush seemed like a competetent candidate who shared the same vision and attributes. How does he resemble Gilgamesh? The former president Bush, who like Gilgamesh enjoyed his rule with less consideration for the humanity in subject, is known for the famous enraging and mutilating imposed wars on third world countries. Here we can observe the weakness due to strength enjoyed by the superior. Gilgamesh raped the women he desired for and dominated the people who complained his acts. On the other hand the Bush invaded and imposed war on weak countries in lust for oil. The bush administration fully cooperated as they economy was in it ripple form. The companion Gilgamesh had was Enkidu a rival but not a foe who became a close companion after single fight. Tony Blair in war against Iraq was considered as Geroge Bush’s right hand he tried to lend a helping hand as far as he could as both shared the same passion. The thrill for new adventure took Gilgamesh to suggest to Enkidu, to kill the guardian of Cedar tree forest which was forbidden for mortals, humbaba was considered powerful and had several capabilities. Although Enkidu tried to persuade him not to avenge with such a beast as his strength was unmatchable but Gilgamesh paid no heed towards it and took him along. Similarly several administrators and politicians tried to reason out the meaningless war of Iraq but Bush administration continued their journey of war. The two companions, U.S president George W. Bush and Tony Blair fought against Iraq and Saddam Hussein. The bull from heaven can be considered as resistance of Iraqi nation and thus the death of it eventually occurs in both scenarios. The love of Ishtar for Gilgamesh and his denial to the proposal of marriage changed the fate of Enkidu. The love citizen suddenly changed to discomfort for the reason presented towards them for the war and then eventually in dislikeness. Bush somehow managed to prolong the period of his rule but Tony Blair quickly went out of view. This left Bush to play along the thrilling game of war. Gilgamesh was divested by the death of his true friend Enkidu, therefore he seeked the plant of immortality so not to become the victim of death. Bush fought for the Iraqi Oil thus wanted to empower the resources which made the economy stronger in return. The purpose wasn’t fully served when the tribunal for war crime started its investigation. The hurdles and the bottles necks he faced to achieve his goals or other than the efforts to attain the material means. Immortality through financial satisfaction and stability is the key element in the whole epic or story of War. The realization of the beautiful and advance state of Uruk made Gilgamesh realize that immortality can be achieved through leaving a significant mark of your victory behind. Thus whether immorality is gained or not actions of person keep him alive in future or in all times. No matter what amendments Bush would now make government of America to perform but the history he created killing thousands of innocents cannot be erased. Immortality through actions can be achieved but the lesson is to live for others not for personal gains. Crushing innocent nations, mutilating security of naives and pride of power leads only to destruction. Realization can make things better in future but past cannot be erased. Gilgamesh and George Bush due to change of era and modernization are different in the dealing with the women of time. The treatment could be justified in those days but its matter sanity now a day. Raping is considered as serious crime and none can pass through any court without being held accountable for his action. Though Bush is married the epic God Gilgamesh refused to marry the goddesses of love. As Gilgamesh was demigod and possessed physical powers and beauty, George Bush is a mere human being. Gilgamesh was crude and never hid the aspect but he was wise in his ruling. However, diplomacy and hypocrisy is a trait of the leaders in modern era. They justify their cruel actions by logics and showing the glory of citizens through it. This is a main distinguishing quality of epic hero and leader of today. The participation in the action of cutting the cedar tree forest has shown the aspect of courage in Gilgamesh. He wanted to see the end results of his plan with his own bare eyes. Bush only gave the commandments and viewed the horrors of war at a safe distance. The American and British Army the natives of Iraq were the actual courage holders who survived or became the victim of unwise decision of the leaders. The fiction character of Gilgamesh is not only a epic role but also similar characters can be seen in our daily lives. Authority and power brings good and evil in close proximity. The more one indulges himself towards one the more other compels to attract. Humans can only achieve simple goals as they do not possess God like qualities but ethical and moral obligations are simple to follow and are visible. The duty always lies with all. Bibliography: Gilgamesh, , and N K. Sandars. The Epic of Gilgamesh. Baltimore: Penguin Books, 1973. Print. Read More