The concept that God could be a woman does not originate in Ariana Grande's 2018 song, but has deep roots in human history , dating back to ancient civilizations. A notable representation of this idea is found in the earliest layers of human culture, in 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. Although an ancient tale centered on male protagonists, this epic subtly presents women as the main drivers of its events and themes. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayThe central thesis of this essay is to explore the multifaceted role of women in “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” shedding light on their importance in the narrative and challenging conventional gender roles. To begin, we meet Shamat, a prostitute from the epic, who plays a central role in transforming Enkidu from wild and untamed into a civilized man. Much like the biblical story of Eve, Shamat is depicted as holding the seeds of civilization. At the beginning of the story, she is tasked with helping Enkidu's transition to human society. The ritual, which involves her undressing and waving at him, leads to Enkidu's embrace and, subsequently, his rejection by his former animal companions. However, this rejection sets the stage for Enkidu's journey toward civilization, as Shamat teaches him the ways of life of human society, from clothing to food. Through his advice, Shamat sets in motion the events that equalize Enkidu with Gilgamesh, initiating their rivalry and eventual friendship, thus propelling the story forward. 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 been otherwise unattainable. Second, although the influences of the female characters may seem subtle, they orchestrate key events and decisions that shape the future. trajectory of the story. The goddess Aruru, for example, is the creator of Enkidu, who later becomes Gilgamesh's closest companion. In a twist of fate, it is the goddess Ishtar who sentences Enkidu to death, pushing Gilgamesh into a vortex of grief 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 hold of [Enkidu] as the gods do", while Ishtar embodies their anger by sending the Bull of Heaven to punish Gilgamesh. These female characters thus personify the duality of the Mesopotamian pantheon, revealing the significant power they exercised despite their apparently 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, prompting him to confront his own nature. Ishtar, for example, persuades 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 depicted as hidden architects of Gilgamesh's journey to enlightenment, exercising.