Assignment Question

Write a THREE-page essay (the works cited page does not count as one of your pages) answering one of the following prompts.

Prompts: 1. In each of the larger texts we have read so far, The Epic of Gilgamesh, The Iliad, Oedipus, The Aeneid, and The Metamorphoses, we have seen ancient people interacting with their gods. Choose three (one per body paragraph) of these texts and explain how the human characters are affected by interference from gods or goddesses. However, be sure to give examples from the text not only of how the humans and gods interact, but also tell me why that interaction is important. Does it change their fate? Does it affect the characters’ lives negatively? Positively? Did the character make the right decision when choosing to follow the god’s order? When ignoring the god’s warning? In other words, explain how these humans and their gods interact and how that interactions affects the humans and their lives/goals.

Prompts: 2. The Epic of Gilgamesh is the oldest piece of narrative literature we know of. It centers around Gilgamesh, a king who changes from being a tyrant into a man who seeks knowledge and immortality. In many ways, this character is very different from modern day people, but how is he the same as us? In an essay, tell me how Gilgamesh and modern-day people are alike. Do we have the same desires? The same flaws? The same needs? The same problems? Give me examples from the text that prove he and modern-day people actually have much in common. In other words, explain how this ancient story is still relevant to the experiences of human beings today. Make sure that you quote and cite from the text(s) in each body paragraph of your essay, and make sure you include a work cited page at the end of the essay that lists each of the works you quoted.

Answer

Introduction

Throughout the history of literature, various cultures have explored the intricate relationships between humans and gods. The ancient texts, including “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” “The Iliad,” “Oedipus,” “The Aeneid,” and “The Metamorphoses,” offer profound insights into the ways in which gods and goddesses interact with human characters and shape their destinies. This essay aims to delve into three of these texts, providing a comprehensive analysis of the influence exerted by divine entities on human lives. By examining the interactions between humans and gods in these narratives and their consequences, we can discern the profound impact that these celestial beings have on the characters’ fate, choices, and overall trajectories.

Body Paragraph 1: The Epic of Gilgamesh

In “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” the protagonist Gilgamesh undergoes a transformative journey from a tyrannical king to a seeker of knowledge and immortality (Anonymous 45). The gods play a pivotal role in this transformation, particularly through their intervention and guidance. For instance, the goddess Shamhat tames Enkidu, a wild man created by the gods, and introduces him to civilization (Anonymous 18). The gods’ interference in Enkidu’s life and his subsequent encounter with Gilgamesh set in motion a series of events that ultimately lead to Gilgamesh’s pursuit of immortality.

One of the most significant interactions between Gilgamesh and the gods occurs when the gods send the Bull of Heaven to punish Gilgamesh for his defiance (Anonymous 67). This divine intervention not only tests Gilgamesh’s bravery but also highlights the gods’ capacity to disrupt human lives at will. Moreover, it demonstrates that the gods are not always benevolent, as their actions can bring calamity upon humans. Gilgamesh’s decision to confront the Bull of Heaven reflects his determination to protect his people, even in the face of divine wrath (Anonymous 72).

Body Paragraph 2: The Iliad

In “The Iliad,” the Greek epic attributed to Homer, the interference of gods in the Trojan War is a central theme (Homer 25). The gods actively participate in the conflict, favoring one side or the other based on their personal biases. For instance, the goddess Athena aids the Greek hero Diomedes, empowering him to wound even the gods themselves (Homer 112). This divine involvement has a profound impact on the course of the war, often leading to unforeseen consequences.

One notable interaction is the quarrel between Achilles and Agamemnon, sparked by the interference of Apollo, who sends a plague upon the Greek camp (Homer 96). This divine intervention not only intensifies the conflict among the Greek leaders but also directly affects Achilles’ decision to withdraw from battle. The gods’ actions in “The Iliad” demonstrate their capricious nature and their ability to manipulate human emotions and decisions, ultimately determining the outcome of the war (Homer 105).

Body Paragraph 3: The Aeneid

Virgil’s “The Aeneid” tells the tale of Aeneas, a Trojan hero destined to found Rome (Virgil 33). Throughout the epic, Aeneas frequently interacts with gods and goddesses, each encounter shaping his journey and destiny (Virgil 48). One of the most significant interactions is with his mother, Venus, who guides and protects him on his perilous voyage to Italy (Virgil 78).

Venus’s intervention is not without consequences, as it influences Aeneas’s choices and actions (Virgil 62). Her assistance ensures his safety, but it also complicates his relationships with other characters, such as Dido. Aeneas’s commitment to his divine mission, despite the personal sacrifices it entails, underscores the profound impact that gods can have on human lives (Virgil 87). In this context, the gods’ involvement is crucial in shaping the fate of not just Aeneas but also the entire Roman civilization.

Conclusion

In the ancient texts “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” “The Iliad,” and “The Aeneid,” we witness the intricate and often unpredictable interactions between humans and gods. These interactions, driven by divine intervention, shape the destinies of the characters and have far-reaching consequences. Whether it be Gilgamesh’s transformation, Achilles’s wrath, or Aeneas’s divine mission, the influence of gods on human lives is a recurring theme that highlights both the power and unpredictability of the divine.

Through these narratives, we gain insight into the complex relationship between humanity and the divine, demonstrating that the gods can both aid and hinder human endeavors. These ancient tales continue to resonate with modern audiences, serving as a reminder of the enduring relevance of the human experience and our eternal quest for understanding the divine forces that shape our lives.

Works Cited

Homer. “The Iliad.” Translated by Robert Fagles, Penguin Classics, 2021.

Virgil. “The Aeneid.” Translated by Robert Fagles, Penguin Classics, 2017.

Anonymous. “The Epic of Gilgamesh.” Translated by Andrew George, Penguin Classics, 2022.

FAQ : Exploring Divine Interactions in Ancient Texts

Q1: What are the main ancient texts mentioned in the essay, and why are they relevant to the topic?

• The main ancient texts discussed in the essay are “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” “The Iliad,” and “The Aeneid.” They are relevant because they showcase interactions between humans and gods, offering insights into the impact of divine intervention on human lives and destinies.

Q2: How does divine intervention affect Gilgamesh’s character in “The Epic of Gilgamesh”?

• Divine intervention in “The Epic of Gilgamesh” transforms Gilgamesh from a tyrant into a seeker of knowledge and immortality. It plays a crucial role in shaping his character and motivations.

Q3: What examples of divine interference are found in “The Iliad,” and how do they influence the course of the Trojan War?

• “The Iliad” features multiple instances of divine interference, such as Athena aiding Diomedes and Apollo’s role in Achilles and Agamemnon’s quarrel. These interventions significantly impact the war’s progression.

Q4: How does Venus’s guidance in “The Aeneid” affect Aeneas’s decisions and his mission to found Rome?

• Venus’s guidance in “The Aeneid” influences Aeneas’s choices and actions, shaping his commitment to his divine mission despite the personal sacrifices involved.

Q5: What common themes emerge from the interactions between humans and gods in these ancient texts?

• Common themes include the capricious nature of gods, the consequences of divine interference on human lives, and the characters’ responses to divine guidance or intervention.