The concept that God could be a woman did not originate with Ariana Grande's 2018 song but has deep roots in human history, dating back to ancient civilizations. A notable representation of this idea can be found in the earliest layers of human culture, within Paleolithic sites scattered across Europe. However, it is in the ancient Mesopotamian epic, “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” that we encounter a complex interplay of female power and influence. Despite being an ancient narrative centered on male protagonists, this epic subtly portrays women as key protagonists of its events and themes. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The central thesis of this essay is to explore the multifaceted role of women in “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” shedding light on their significance in fiction and challenging conventional gender roles. To begin with, we meet Shamat, a prostitute in the epic, who plays a vital role in transforming the wild and savage Enkidu into a civilized man. Much like the biblical story of Eve, Shamat is depicted as guarding the seeds of civilization. At the beginning of the narrative, he is tasked with helping Enkidu's transition into human society. The ritual, which involves his undressing and beckoning, leads to Enkidu's embrace and, subsequently, his rejection by his former animal companions. However, this rejection sets the stage for Enkidu's journey to civilization, as Shamat proceeds to teach him the ways of human society, from clothing to food. Through his guidance, Shamat instigates the events that equate Enkidu with Gilgamesh, beginning their rivalry and future friendship, thus advancing the story. Despite her occupation as a prostitute, Shamat's sexual knowledge serves as a gateway to Enkidu's acquisition of wisdom and power that would have otherwise been unattainable. Moving forward, while the female characters' influences may appear subtle, they orchestrate key events and decisions that shape the story. trajectory of the narrative. The goddess Aruru, for example, is the creator of Enkidu, who would become Gilgamesh's closest companion. By a twist of fate, it is the goddess Ishtar who condemns Enkidu to death, pushing Gilgamesh into a vortex of pain and madness. These divine interventions catalyze crucial moments in Gilgamesh's life, reflecting the ancient Mesopotamian belief in goddesses who could be both benevolent and vengeful. Shamat, a priestess of Ishtar, embodies the nurturing side of these goddesses when she "took [Enkidu] as the gods do", while Ishtar embodies their wrath by sending the Bull of Heaven to punish Gilgamesh. These female characters thus personify the duality of the Mesopotamian pantheon, revealing the considerable power they wielded despite their seemingly modest roles. The influence of female characters extends beyond divine interventions. They actively encourage their seemingly more powerful male counterparts to place specific obstacles in Gilgamesh's path, pushing him to confront his own nature. Ishtar, for example, convinces her father Anu, a more authoritative sky god, to unleash consequences on Gilgamesh, ultimately leading to Enkidu's death. Likewise, Utnapishtim's wife, despite her seemingly minor role, plays a crucial role in convincing her husband to share the secret of immortality with Gilgamesh. In this way, women are portrayed as hidden architects of Gilgamesh's journey to enlightenment, silently wielding true authority in the epic. In “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” a multitude of influential women create and lead.