Cultural Significances of the Epic of Gilgamesh and Siddharta, Essay Example

Both the Epic of Gilgamesh and Siddharta contain the theme of the journey as a central point of their narrative. Furthermore, both journeys are constituted by a search for an ultimate truth. In the case of Siddharta, this truth is encapsulated in the term Enlightenment, and the quest to uncover the ultimate meaning and structure of existence. Gilgamesh’s journey is much more specific in its quest, knowing its precise aim: to uncover immortality. The cultural values and assistance that the two narratives provide can be considered different both in terms of the reason for the journey of the two protagonists and the ultimate answers they receive. Siddharta learns about enlightenment and about the completeness of existence, meaning that we must love existence, which Siddharta experiences as follows: “On his face flourished the cheerfulness of a knowledge, which is no longer opposed by any will, which knows perfection.” (142) In contrast, Gilgamesh’s truth discovered can be considered much more tied to fate and acceptance, as opposed to Enlightenment. His quest for immortality ends in knowing that immortality itself is impossible: “It is Ea alone who knows all things.” (21) Gilgamesh learns that man’s fate is death, and that divine knowledge is impossible for man. Hence, the stories present different messages to each culture. In the case of Gilgammesh, the value taught is that we must resign ourselves to our fate, whereas in the case of Siddharta, knowledge and understanding is possible. Both narratives, nevertheless deal with ultimate questions such as the meaning of human existence and what is possible for human consciousness to achieve.

The Mesopotamian context in which Gilgamesh emerged tells us something about this culture. Namely, that there are certain limits to human knowledge and that human fate is a defined course of action. For example, in the inevitability of death we understand the limits of existence and the significance that only the god Ea knows all shows the limits of human knowledge. Humans remain radically finite beings in the epic, and therefore we can state that Mesopotamian culture reflects a certain fatalist or fateful culture. In contrast, Siddharta and Indian culture demonstrate the possibility of knowledge of the deepest mysteries of reality and thus to essentially become Gods. Enlightenment is the crucial goal of this culture in its most mystical and important moments, and this goal is furthermore attainable. Hence, there seems to be a social structure presented in Gilgamesh which demonstrates the necessary of our existential roles, whereas in the Indian context of Siddharta, no such defined existential roles persist.

This ties into the religious world views of the two cultures as expressed in these narratives. Mesopotamian culture draws a sharp line between God and human. There are certain forms of knowledge and existence that are reserved for God alone. This suggests a relationship to the world and divine where every living thing must essentially know its role in the greater scheme of creation. Myth and religion exists to make these roles clear. In contrast, in Siddharta, no such boundaries exist. Enlightenment is a state which can be achieved by anyone who suffers and labors to achieve it. In addition, when Enlightenment is achieved, one has the knowledge of a God. The social system is thus less rigidly defined, and religion aims to open the mind of the man to new realities.

Following the work of Joseph Campbell, it can be said that both stories satisfy the criterion of understanding the social relationships around us. However, both stories prevent different views of these relationships, since in Gilgamesh they are clearly defined, whereas in Siddharta these relationships remain fluid. Accordingly, these narratives fit Campbell’s scheme in regards to the purpose of myths as warning us, explaining to us and inspiring us. Gilgamesh explains why reality is as it is, and that we must accept it: this can also be considered a warning to not overstep one’s bounds. In Siddharta, in contrast the mythical narrative inspires us to overstep our bounds, and become enlightened: it is only through this enlightenment that the true reality can be explained.

Works Cited

The Epic of Gilgamesh. Assyrian International News Agency. Accessed at: http://www.aina.org/books/eog/eog.pdf

Hesse, Hermann. Siddhartha: An Indian Tale. San Francisco: The Internet Archive.