The Bull of Heaven

Definition

The Bull of Heaven is a mythical creature featured in the ancient Mesopotamian epic 'The Epic of Gilgamesh'. It symbolizes divine power and serves as a significant antagonist when the goddess Ishtar sends it to punish Gilgamesh for spurning her advances. This event highlights themes of heroism, the relationship between gods and humans, and the consequences of defying divine will.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Bull of Heaven is sent by Ishtar to retaliate against Gilgamesh after he rejects her romantic advances, showcasing the consequences of disrespecting divine entities.
2. In the epic, the Bull causes widespread destruction, symbolizing the uncontrollable power of the divine and its impact on human affairs.
3. Gilgamesh and his friend Enkidu confront and ultimately slay the Bull of Heaven, demonstrating themes of friendship, bravery, and defiance against the gods.
4. After killing the Bull, Enkidu is cursed by the gods, which leads to his eventual death, emphasizing the idea that actions against divine beings can have severe repercussions.
5. The episode involving the Bull serves as a crucial turning point in the narrative, driving Gilgamesh's journey towards self-discovery and acceptance of human mortality.

Review Questions

• How does the sending of the Bull of Heaven by Ishtar reflect the relationship between humans and gods in Mesopotamian literature?
  • The sending of the Bull of Heaven by Ishtar illustrates a complex relationship between humans and gods in Mesopotamian literature, where divine beings wield significant power over mortals. It shows how human actions can provoke divine wrath, especially when mortals challenge or reject the desires of gods. This event highlights themes of hubris and humility, emphasizing that even great heroes like Gilgamesh are subject to the will of higher powers.
• Analyze how the defeat of the Bull of Heaven contributes to the overall themes presented in 'The Epic of Gilgamesh'.
  • The defeat of the Bull of Heaven significantly contributes to the themes in 'The Epic of Gilgamesh' by showcasing human strength and camaraderie through Gilgamesh and Enkidu's victory. However, this act also leads to dire consequences as it prompts the gods to punish Enkidu, reinforcing the idea that even heroic deeds come with a price. This duality reflects the overarching theme of mortality versus immortality, as Gilgamesh learns that triumph over divine forces does not grant him eternal life.
• Evaluate the symbolic significance of the Bull of Heaven in relation to Gilgamesh's quest for understanding his own humanity.
  • The Bull of Heaven serves as a powerful symbol in Gilgamesh's quest for understanding his humanity by representing both divine intervention and human limitation. The creature's destructive nature signifies the uncontrollable forces that shape human destiny, highlighting that despite one's strength or achievements, mortality remains an unavoidable reality. As Gilgamesh confronts this reality through his battle with divine powers, he gains deeper insights into friendship, loss, and ultimately acceptance, shaping his growth throughout the epic.

Related terms

Gilgamesh: The main character of 'The Epic of Gilgamesh', he is a historical king of Uruk known for his superhuman strength and his quest for immortality.

Ishtar: The Mesopotamian goddess of love, war, and fertility, who plays a crucial role in 'The Epic of Gilgamesh' by sending the Bull of Heaven to punish Gilgamesh.

Epic: A long narrative poem that recounts the heroic deeds and adventures of legendary figures, often reflecting the values and beliefs of a culture.