User:Samkheir/sandbox

Week 5 journal 2, field trip: GILGAMESH Location: University of Sydney - Old Teacher's College, Manning Road, The University of Sydney NSW 2006

This statue of Gilgamesh is situated just outside the old teachers college in the courtyard. It is very visible to many students, staff and residents who walk within it’s vicinity. The beautiful statue is portrayed in the light of epideictic rhetoric as it aims to praise Gigamesh. Gilgamesh was said to be half man and half human as he possessed characteristics that did not make him fit the normal criteria. Gilgamesh was the 5th King of Uruk, he had such profound influence and power that myths developed of his divine status. He is also known to be the first epic hero in world literature. Hence, is referred to as half man and half God.

The audience for the statue is not restricted to one type of peoples. Based on it’s geographical position and it plaque description, the statute aims to educate the wider community of this ‘fierce’ king. In one image the statue ties in strength, bravery, determination and power. Strength and bravery is clearly seen by his muscular build,, his determination is seen with his body language as he is looking forward in a fixed position with his hands closed and gripped tightly. The power he possessed is portrayed by the effortless holding of the lion. Lions are dangerous and uncontrollable animals and therefore being able to control one conveys how Gilgamesh was a man with unaccountable power and also shows how is is unstoppable and undefeatable in the eyes of the opposition.

Personally, seeing this statue almost makes me nervous as I often associate ‘big muscles’ and ‘fierceness’ with a tyrant rulers and oppressor. Therefore as i was looking at Gilgamesh i felt as though i was looking at a man who knew no boundaries and lived a life of greed. However, upon doing some research about him, i soon realised that after life changing experiences, he changed for the better. It made me come to terms to that fact that people can change. Bad people can turn good, and good people can turn bad. Therefore, judging someone based on their physical appearance and their past is something we should all avoid.