True Colors

The depiction of Ishtar in Tablet VI is so relentlessly negative that it can be inferred that it signifies a deeper meaning. Gilgamesh’s rejection of Ishtar, in my eyes, symbolizes the repudiation of her worship as a “goddess” in favor of patriarchy in the ancient world. Ishtar is one of the most important goddess’ in the epic. Her temple is described to be in the center of the city, and her rites protect it from any danger, promoting safety and prosperity. Ishtar is accustomed to receiving anything on her beck and call. However, when Gilgamesh rejects the spoiled goddess, he also rejects one of his royal duties. Gilgamesh’s attraction towards his same-sexed companion, whether moral or immoral, does release Ishtar’s true colors. She transforms from being the mature goddess everyone imagined her to be, into a spoiled child who throws tantrums when they don’t get their way.

Gilgamesh is very witty as he rejects Ishtar of being his wife. It doesn’t matter how incredibly clever he is. Addressing a goddess in this way is unimaginably rude and disrespectful. Enkidu’s demonstrates very crude and childish behavior when he throws the bull’s haunch towards Ishtar and threatens to slaughter her too if she comes closer. Gilgamesh and Enkidu lose sight of the understanding that they are mortals. They begin to act immature and are very arrogant, taking things way too far. Later, when Gilgamesh brings back the bull and presents it to his craftsmen, both Gilgamesh and Enkidu are very egotistic because of their victory over Humbaba and they began drinking with pride. The tone of the poets’ narrative portrays the giddy feelings of his characters. Interestingly enough, Enkidu and Gilgamesh continue to show their respects to Shamash, and even Lugulbanda, yet, they continue to triumph, parading around the city that houses the already angry divinities.