Our Modern Bull of Heaven

Throughout The Epic of Gilgamesh, the authors appear to concern themselves with the growing threat of human arrogance. Killing the Bull of Heaven proves the perfect example since it demonstrates how Gilgamesh and Enkidu become too self-assured. The gods never ordered Gilgamesh and Enkidu to murder the Bull of Heaven. However, because the men had just killed Humbaba, they believe that it was their right to rid the earth of beasts. This kind of arrogance raises issues with the authors because it leads to dangerous decisions based on false assumptions. As noted in the text, the pair first hesitate to kill Humbaba, because they are not sure if their strength is enough. However, once their arrogance sets in, the men feel they can take on anything and end up killing without the permission of the gods.

I believe the authors wanted to warn against the dangers of arrogance because they felt as though too many people assume they are invincible. I know that if I were to write a fiction book for today's man, I would include a similar section. The actions of corporate America mimic those made by Gilgamesh. Too many people believe they are untouchable or above the law. In many cases, this risky assumption causes us to do stupid things. We assume we can get away with it because we are special. As an author, I would want to show my readers that humans are not that special. Like the example of giving a child a new toy right before bed, I would want to give the main character something and then take it away as a repercussion of their foolish actions.