1. Identify, compare and contrast the major themes of the Epic of Gilgamesh, the Myth of Osiris, the Myth of the Minotaur, The Iliad and The Odyssey.
ALSO address AT LEAST TWO the following in your essay:
2. What individual and social values are expressed in each of these myths?
3. Give some specific examples from each civilization of how these myths were present through art, architecture, drama, literature, music, or philosophy in the everyday life of the civilization.
4. The importance of these mythic values can also be seen in the historic actions of these civilizations: their trade relationships, their ideas about conquest, the policies and actions of the governments, and in how they incorporated these mythic themes and values into their religious practices. Look for examples of this for your paper.
For example: One major theme of the Epic of Gilgamesh is the importance of deep friendship, as seen in the relationship of Gilgamesh and Enkidu. This friendship can also be seen as symbolizing the larger dynamic between civilization (the king, Gilgamesh) and nature (the wild man, Enkidu). How do we find this ‘relationship’ theme impacting the civilizations of Sumer, Akkad, and Assyria all of which were deeply influenced by the story of Gilgamesh? One might look at the art of these civilizations, and see how the image of the ruler is portrayed in relationship to the different aspects of society, as in the Royal Standard of Ur, on both the War and Peace sides of the object. Another example is the frequent occurrence of anthropomorphic images of animals doing human things, or human heads on animal bodies in works of art and decoration from these societies. The art of the civilizations expresses the importance of the mythic themes.
Look for another major theme and corresponding impact in the Gilgamesh story, as well as in the other myths listed above.
Cite research sources in a Works Consulted bibliography. MLA Style.
