Document 2.1: In Search of Eternal Life
How does the Epic of Gilgamesh portray the gods and their relationship to humankind?
In the Epic of Gilgamesh, the gods relationships to the humankind can be described as two humans in a relationship but more as servants. They want humans to make sacrifices to them, glorify and respect them, and to live a righteous life free of sins, like good christians people but to many gods.The only differences is that, gods have the powers to stipulate the humans, like a puppet show. The gods controls the humans by intervening in their life and daily activities. With such dictatorship, they can be so inconsiderate and harsh to the humans. Also, the gods bear humanlike qualities like love, jealousy and tolerance. So, if the people disobeyed or annoyed them in any way, they would punish the entire humanity with natural disasters and fatal diseases. As we see how Enkidu dies after disparaging a god. Humans, in return of their prayers and offerings, are supposed to get good fortune, favourable climate for agriculture, safety and the good things in life. However, sometimes the humans don't get what they prayed for. It can be a blessing or a punishment.
So to surmise, the humans and the gods relationship is a give and take relationship, where humans prays for something and in return of granting their wish, they have to do something for the gods. However, the humans have no power of controlling such demands because the gods are superior and have such great powers that could either punished or blessed them.
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