Supervisors info:
Konstantinos Kopanias, Department of History and Archaeology, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens
Vassilis Petrakis, Assistant Professor of Prehistoric Archaeology
Summary:
Homosexuality has always been, and might always be, a hotly debated topic in the study of history and historical figures, both real and fictional. Even now, with same-sex marriage legalized in over 20 counties and an overall far more progressive world, the debate of the true feelings expressed in the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Iliad between men rages on. This essay will look at both original texts and translations, extrapolate meaning, and draw parallels between the two epics. The Epic of Gilgamesh, first written in ca. 2100 BC, tells the tale of Gilgamesh and Enkidu and their various adventures though the early Fertile Crescent. As decreed by the gods, Enkidu is created and is tasked with calming the wild King Gilgamesh. From their first meeting, it becomes clear that they are destined soulmates. The Iliad, an oral tradition first composed in the late 8th or 7th century but gained popularity during the 5th century, is a brief glimpse into the last phase of the Trojan war. While the story is vast and covers thousands of pages, we will be specifically looking at Achilles and Patroclus and the hypothesized homoerotic bond they shared. By looking through the lens of death, their true feelings shine through. In order to fully understand and define the relationships between these four men, I will look at language, culture, art, and love itself. By using these aspects, I will try to demonstrate that a deep love is found in both stories, and that it is an essential element of each epic. Through their love for one another, Achilles and Patroclus and Gilgamesh and Enkidu become one soul split over two bodies. Despite hardship, turmoil, trauma, and death, this love is everlasting and makes these men divine.
Keywords:
Homoeroticism, Iliad, Gilgamesh, Achilles, Patroclus, Enkidu, Epic, Near East, Philos
