Question

Identify a feature of epic poetry in the passage. In three to four sentences, explain its impact on the epic's plot

Answer 1

Answer:

Epic feature: the active role of a god: ".... the voice of the God..". This is the voice of Shamash's, the God of the sun. God is answering Gilgamesh's request since he has engaged in a furious battle against Humbaba. Humbaba is the guardian of the tree forest Gilgamesh and his close friend Enkidu have attacked. Gilgamesh needs help to defeat Humbaba and asks God to help him.

Impact on the epic's plot: Some Gods help Gilgamesh but some others God punish him. These constant interactions with different Gods make Gilgamesh face death. He learns he will die since immortality does not exist. A man dies but humankind will not.

Explanation:

Then, from heaven, the voice of the god

called to Gilgamesh: "Hurry, attack,  

attack Humbaba while the time is right,  

before he enters the depths of the forest,  

before he can hide there and wrap himself  

in his seven auras with their paralyzing glare.  

He is wearing just one now. Attack him! Now!"  

–Gilgamesh: A New English Translation,

Stephen Mitchell