Epic of Gilgamesh

Gilgamesh earned his kingship through prayers by worshipping the gods. He was a tyrant, a strong male
leader in the City of Uruk- a part of the ancient city, Mesopotamia. Religion at this time is presented by a
polytheistic society. It plays a vital role to the characters and events of the story. Gods and goddesses
intervene with the lives of the mortals.

In this story, we witness a transformation of an unjustly to a justly king as gods enforce laws that makes
up the duties of a king. This reflects the laws of codes of Mesopotomia that governs all its subordinates.
Gender distinction is evident in the piece. Male gods are portrayed as the stronger and more powerful
ones in contrast to the female deities and characters. Women are mere subordinate figures to men.
Wealth comes in hereditary manner. Bloodline of generations keeps wealth and power justified. The
society is warlike- strength and power are essential to keeping the place in peace and order. Just like
the modern society, religion plays an important role to human lives sans the existence of gods and
deities. However, certain changes in the manners of roles of women and men changed dramatically.
Equality between genders is observed. Women are no longer viewed as subordinates to men.