I love taking online classes. Most of all I like the fact that I can pretty much be in class anywhere. These days with all the modern technology, phones being computers and education offered online learning never stops. I brought my World Lit I book to work with me on Tuesday morning. I work at a golf course where I cook for virtually no one on a daily basis so I have lots of free time. It was there I read all 70 pages of Gilgamesh.
I didn't realize how gripping of a story this was going to be. Gilgamesh was the toughest kid on the block who answered to no one. He often boasted of his power and used it to keep everyone in line and afraid. He even had first night with a every new bride. He knew he had no match, he was 2/3 of a god.
When Enkidu was sent to be his rival, instead of trying to destroy each other they became friends. This is not uncommon, Gilgamesh finally found someone he could relate to. Enkidu and Gilgamesh were the best of friends and loved each other like brothers. This didn't make Gilgamesh a better person yet in fact he wanted to show even more strength to his friend by killing the forest guardian, in which they succeeded.
But unfortunately in the end, Enkidu died and Gilgamesh was heartbroken alone and fearful of his own mortality, since he was 1/3 man dying was inevitable for him. He searched for immortality but eventually he failed, I believe.
This story of Gilgamesh and Enkidu reminds me of the relationship between America and Isreal. America has been the big bad boy on the block flexing it muscle all over the world with 700 military bases in 130 countries. We found in Israel, a friend and ally, even though they contribute nothing to the war on terror. We constantly threaten Isreal's enemies and take their side on any issue. We boast of our power and use it to keep countries afraid of us and Israel. In a sense, we feel like we have no equal.
In an effort to display even more power to impress and protect our friend we took down the guardian of the forest, Saddam Hussein, why? no one knows. Unfortunately our friendship has isolated us on the globe. Every country is in one of two categories; pro-isreal and anti-israel. Isreal and America's friendship has set us on a mission to find immortality, but unfortunately it will be our undoing. While we left the ramparted walls of America, evil snuck in the back door. The American Empire will fall because of our lack of humility and modesty and our unwillingness to mind our own business just like Gilgamesh.
