Work

The conceptualisation of morality in ancient religions at the hand of the Gilgamesh Epic

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This article addressed ‘The conceptualisation of morality in ancient religions at the hand of the Gilgamesh Epic’. After pointing out that ancient languages do not have words for neither morality nor religion, I discussed the following incidents in the Epic: he who saw the Deep; the immoral conduct of a king; the slaying of Humbaba; Ishtar and a death penalty; and a visit to Utanapishtim, the Distant. I alluded briefly to the way that the Epic ends. The aim was to examine whether ancient societies had a concept of morality and what role, if any, did religion play. Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The conclusion was that religion played a very minor role, and that morality in ancient societies was a human endeavour.

Source: Verbum et Ecclesia

DOI: 10.4102/ve.v45i1.2983

Author: Gerda de Villiers

Institution: University of Pretoria

Language: English

Topic: Ancient Near East History

Subfield: Archeology

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $605

Funder: University of Pretoria