Classism Takes Over Human History

Since Mesopotamia, classism has been a problem. Gilgamesh and Enkidu turned out to be great friends, and made a great team. Together they were able to do everything, from fitting Humbaba to ruling over Uruk. Nevertheless, the fact that Enkidu was a beast and wasn’t born king made a great difference in tablets VI to VII.

I was surprised to see that the gods decided to make Enkidu the responsible for the death of Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven, “Sun God of Heaven replied to valiant Enlil: 'Was it not at my command that they killed the Bull of Heaven and Humbaba! Should now innocent Enkidu die!”(tablet VII). Both of the fights were aroused by Gilgamesh’s behavior, because Humbaba died for Gilgamesh’s desire of cutting down the forest, and the Bull’s death was for insulting a god’s daughter. Enkidu only participated in the fights, because he was a loyal to his king and friend. Therefore, I think Gilgamesh should be the one to receive the consequences the gods send, and Enkidu should be rewarded.

I think that the gods decision to kill Enkidu, was only made because he was born beast, and without a kingdom. Nevertheless, Enkidu was loyal and a great fighter and friend. Meanwhile, Gilgamesh used to be a very tyrant king, never thought about his actions, and was tremendously spoiled. If I was a god, I would make my decision based on there actions and the values they had inside, and not the status they were born in.

This decision reminded me of the world today. People that are born with less money have to suffer, and pay for the rich peoples actions. Also, they can’t even be rewarded for the tremendous effort they do and most likely will live in the same status for the rest of their lives. The text Gilgamesh mainly represents the beginning of human civilization, and it was clear that classism has always been an aspect that has marked human history strongly.