The Nature of the Epic of Gilgamesh - Essay Example

Perhaps for its position as one of the earliest forms of surviving writing, the text represents one of the central in the field of myth analysis. This essay functions to analyze this myth through the theoretical lens of Smith who argued that myths follow rituals.

            In considering the nature of the Epic of Gilgamesh in terms of Smith’s lens it is difficult to clearly argue that the elements in the story were first ritualized, but their structural nature gives clues to this theory as an original element. Throughout the epic, Gilgamesh is shown going through a number of trials and tribulations that ultimately bring him to a higher state of self-knowledge and consciousness. This essay argues that these trials and tribulations represent the conglomeration of real-life experiences, or rituals, that have been articulated within the construct of the myth as a means of demonstrating a sort of deeper structural dimension to the reality of the human condition. In these regards, the inspiration of the story represents a sort of nebulous and abstract understanding of human nature that is placed into narrative form through its articulation in the myth. One of the central aspects in these regards can be witnessed in Gilgamesh’s relationship with Enkidu. In the first part of the epic Enkidu fills a role within Gilgamesh’s life that is akin to meaning or purpose in existential terms; she opens his life and draws him into a concern with his people’s interests. Upon her death, Gilgamesh is profoundly influenced by her death, and indeed a great part of the epic’s narrative is structured around Gilgamesh’s reaction to this occurrence. Rather than taking solace in his relationship with Enkidu, Gilgamesh now sets out to achieve a sort of immortality. Utilizing Smith’s theoretical matrix, it’s argued that this shift from a concern with the love relationship to a quest for immortality represents a ritualistic element of the human condition. In attempting to achieve meaning in life individuals will oftentimes turn to love, or towards higher purposes of life, such as art, or making social contributions. The Epic of Gilgamesh has articulated this concern from one of meaning in life as achieved through love, to one wherein meaning is achieved through a higher state of purpose that is believed to result in immortality.

            In conclusion, it’s clear that utilizing Smith’s theoretical lens the Epic of Gilgamesh in part represents the mythological articulation of ritualistic aspects of the human condition. This essay has demonstrated that Gilgamesh’s shift from a concern with Enkidu and love to a concern with achieving immortality, is similar to the modern-day human’s concern with achieving a sense of meaning and purpose. While the Epic of Gilgamesh is multi-varied and a broad amount of interpretations exist within it, it’s clear that to some extent Smith’s theoretical perspective is at work.