A study of the theme of the gods versus the mortals in the works of “Gilgamesh” (author unknown) and “The Odyssey” by Homer.
The paper compares the texts “The Odyssey” by ancient Greek writer Homer, with “Gilgamesh”, an old Babylonian epic poem written by an anonymous author. This paper makes the claim that the gods in “Gilgamesh” and “The Odyssey” are not perfect. They are less flawed, however, than the human characters present in both novels. It also discusses the differences between polytheism and monotheism. Several specific examples are given from each story to support this claim.
“Polytheism is a norm in the everyday life of Eurydice. He lives in ancient Rome and never thinks twice about worshiping the almighty Zeus, Athena, and all the rest of his gods. After all, how could one god possibly possess all the traits that these gods have, and possess them to perfection? One can take the view that man created the gods of Gilgamesh and the Odyssey in his own image or in an image thought much greater. No matter which of the two, the image of these gods in Gilgamesh and The Odyssey was truly fashioned by man, and man is imperfect. Man is imperfect in thought and in action. Therefore, the gods of these two stories must be flawed as well. Nevertheless, despite a few flaws, the gods’ characters and actions are certainly nobler and less suspect than those of either Gilgamesh or Odysseus.”