Comparison Of Humbaba And Gilgamesh

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Recommended: What is Evil? Essay

The term evil is one of Germanic origin and can be defined differently as a result of individual interpretation. In the Merriam-Webster dictionary the full definition of evil is -morally reprehensible: sinful, wicked , arising from actual or imputed bad character or conduct , archaic: inferior, causing discomfort or repulsion: offensive , disagreeable , causing harm: pernicious , marked by misfortune: unlucky. Humbaba and Gilgamesh are both evil beings but are regarded differently because of god ordained dissimilarities and social constructs that subsist in our modern day. Evil is a significant term when attempting to understand the text because its definitions vary. The readers and characters may have different interpretations of the meaning …show more content…

The term evil is actually used; But Humbaba is not evil because he is morally wrong. Humbaba is not causing harm or injury to Gilgamesh or Enkidu. Humbaba is actually doing what he was appointed to do by the Gods. The text tells us he was the guardian of the Forest of Cedar (p21). The God Enlil assigned Humbaba to protect where the gods lived, by frightening humans. “[S]o to keep safe the cedars, / Enlil made it his lot to terrify men (p19). This terrifying of men may have created an evil reputation but he did not arise from actual or imputed bad character or conduct. Humbaba is an Ogre, He has tusks like an animal (pg46, 44). He is able to speak like men he could devour. These features are disturbing to consider. Humbaba’s appearance may be marked by misfortune or unlucky. He may have given off an offensive odor. He is capable of causing harm and causes discomfort or repulsion. By Webster’s definition of evil Humbaba partially corresponds. The reader never ascertains whether or not Humbaba is sinful or wicked. However Gilgamesh is proven morally wrong and wicked from the very beginning of the …show more content…

Naturally portrayed as the hero on account of his being half divine. In tablet 1 we learn that Gilgamesh was a tyrant ruler by divine consent. On the contrary “fair in manhood, dignified in bearing/graced with charm in his whole person” (p 9). He was wise, he was handsome, and he was firm as a rock. The people lamented over him despite his conquering what he wanted, he slept with brides before their husbands. No one could contest his dominance. The acts Gilgamesh performed were morally reprehensible, and could be considered sinful and wicked. He caused harm, discomfort and was offensive. Gilgamesh corresponds with the definition of evil more than Humbaba. There are similarities and differences between Gilgamesh and

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