Final answer:
The capricious nature of the Mesopotamian gods and the pessimistic worldview of the people are thought to be the result of the challenging environment, such as unpredictable flooding and constant wars. Priests played a significant role in trying to appease the whimsical deities to avoid disasters. Alternate explanations for this might involve social and political structures within Mesopotamian society.
Step-by-step explanation:
Many scholars believe that the capricious actions of the Mesopotamian gods and the pessimistic worldview held by the people were consequences of the environmental challenges they faced. River flooding from the Tigris and Euphrates, wars, and the constant threat of natural disasters or invasions made daily life precarious. This is reflected in the literature, myths, and religious practices that indicate humans felt at the mercy of whimsical deities, such as Enlil, the storm god who nearly wiped out humanity because their noise disturbed his sleep.
Additionally, Mesopotamians believed that their purpose in life was to serve the gods with offerings and temples, hoping to appease them and avoid their wrath. The role of priests was crucial as they were thought to have the ability to sooth the gods. This dependency on divine favor and the seemingly arbitrary nature of the gods’ actions contributed to a worldview of uncertainty and fear.
An alternate explanation to this could consider political and social factors, such as the power dynamics between priestly classes and common people, or the psychological need for control in a world that seemed uncontrollable. Moreover, as each city-state had its own patron deity, conflicts could be interpreted as divine struggles, further entrenching the belief in the gods’ direct influence over human affairs.