Dreams of Gilgamesh Essay - 891 Words

Dreams of Gilgamesh When looking into the meanings of dreams, a variation of things can be found. Most people believe that dreams are a reflection of people’s inner thoughts and feelings. Most of these feelings are too private to be expressed in the real world and that is why they are expressed in a fantasy type way through dreams. In Gilgamesh, dreams are used as a form of communication between the Gods and humans. Major events are seen through these dreams and fantasies are foretold. In the ancient Mesopotamian culture, dreams play a major role. Dreams foretold the coming of Enkidu, the death of Enkidu, the protection of Shamhat during the battle with Humbaba, and much more. The fact that dreams play such an important role in†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"Humbaba’s cry is the roar of a deluge, His maw is fire, his breath is death, He can hear rustling in the forest for sixty double leagues. Who can go into his forest? Adad is first and Humbaba is secon d. Who, even among the gods, could attack him? In order to safeguard the forest of cedars, Enlil has appointed him to terrify the people, Enlil has destined him seven fearsome glories, Besides, whosoever enters his forest is struck down by disease.† (page 25, tablet II, lines 171-180). This is very significant in that it lets us know the nature of who Humbaba is. It’s clear that Humbaba is quite evil according to this passage. Gilgamesh’s dreams make him supremely confident during his attempts to overcome Humbaba. Gilgamesh believes he can prevail against Humbaba. Due to his focus and heroism, Gilgamesh is capable of slaying a horrifying, evil monster like Humbaba. Dreams are a constant motivation for Gilgamesh, and although at times he feels physically incapable of continuing on his quest for everlasting life, his focus on achieving his goal, drives him past any conceivable ability. The dreams all play the same role in this story. They foreshadow what i s to come, motivation for Gilgamesh, and they assist in the strengthening of the relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu. Most importantly, Gilgamesh makes his journey not for fortune or fame, but purely for spiritual knowledge. Often the purpose of his journey isShow MoreRelatedEpic Of Gilgamesh Myths And Dreams931 Words   |  4 PagesGilgamesh myths and dreams In World Literature Gilgamesh is considered to be a masterpiece. After, doing my research I noticed it had to be one of the oldest epics written, but it appears to be more of a myth or dream. The history of this myth draws concern about culture and religion in Babylonian. The perspective I came to understand and focus was myths and dreams. The aspects involved the inner and outer struggles of problems that are essential to this time period. 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Implicitly, Gilgamesh’s corrupt desire for immortality conveys thatRead MoreSymbolism : The Epic Of Gilgamesh, And The Odyssey870 Words   |  4 Pagescomes to texts such as The Epic of Gilgamesh, the Hebrew Bible, and The Odyssey, symbolism plays a major role in understanding a piece of literature’s true intentions. This would explain the abundance of distinct character features, exaggerated scenarios, and countless approaches to new, bigger problems in these tales. But one of the most favored approaches to symbolism a nd interpretations seems to be through the way of dreams. Due to their unpredictable nature, dreams allow authors to take complete