Question

Both Gilgamesh and the Odyssey have central female characters, both mortal ones and goddesses. Discuss how the two epics deal with such subjects and what power women have; how central the women are to the events in the epics; and to what extent the goddesses exhibit characteristics similar to mortal women. From Gilgamesh, focus on Siduri and possibly Ishtar, Ninsun, or Shamash; for Homer, you have many options, including Penelope, Athena, Anticleia, Circe, Calypso, and Nausicaa. At some point in your essay, be sure to directly compare/contrast the way that the texts treat their female characters.

Answer 1

Answer: Both Gilgamesh and the Odyssey portray female characters in central roles, both mortal and divine. The texts vary in their treatment of these characters, with Gilgamesh presenting a more diverse range of female figures such as Siduri, Ishtar, Ninsun, and Shamash, while Homer's Odyssey features a variety of female characters including Penelope, Athena, Anticleia, Circe, Calypso, and Nausicaa. The power and agency of women in these epics are also portrayed differently, with some characters being more passive and submissive, while others exhibit strength, cunning, and intelligence. Both epics, however, depict goddesses with characteristics similar to mortal women, blurring the line between the divine and the mortal world. Direct comparison and contrast between the texts' treatment of female characters is an important aspect of analyzing these epics.

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