The Role of Women in Gilgamesh I-III

The importance of women and marriage in the Uruk culture is shown in the first three chapters of “The Epic of Gilgamesh” as translated by George. In face, according to the beginning of the book, the treatment of women is one of the main reasons for the gods creating Enkidu in the first place. It says that “Gilgamesh lets no girl go free to her bride[groom]” (4). It’s not the only reason that the gods intervened, but it is clear that it is a main reason. Chapter one says “[The women voiced] their [troubles to the goddesses,] [they brought their] complaint before [them]” ( 3). Even after Enkidu is created by the gods, he only goes to Gilgamesh and fulfills the purpose he was created for after hearing about the way the king treated women who were about to get married. He stopped Gilgamesh right before he was about to deflower a young bride, and challenges the king, earning his respect and friendship.

The people of Uruk seem to discuss women as if they have a power over men. The way that both the hunter and King Gilgamesh plan to get Enkidu “tame” is by sending the prostitute in order to lure him to them. Enkidu didn’t know what a woman was when he was placed on the earth, he was raised by animals. However, these people thought that Shamhat would be able to please and welcome him, which she did. This just shows the power that they viewed women as having. Although this power is not given in the best way, it is still control.

In addition to that, one of the most highly regarded women in their society was the goddess Ninsun who ends up adopting Enkidu. The roles of men and women have clearly never really changed. The men ruled and got the food while the women took care of the home and had power over their men because of their sexuality. It’s interesting to see the approach that Enkidu is shown having towards women by his protection over the bride. He wasn’t even raised in their society but he already knows that it’s wrong for the king to deflower them right before their husbands are able to. This shows on what level women were valued in their culture.

Laney Homet