Gilgamesh's Cardinal Virtues

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Gilgamesh’s Cardinal Virtues The cardinal virtues are defined as the basic virtues in ancient Greek philosophy being justice, prudence, fortitude and temperance. In Gilgamesh: A Verse Narrative, Herbert Mason tells of a king named Gilgamesh that deemed as two-thirds god and one-third man that rules his people as a tyrant, preferring to be alone with his thoughts except when he sleeps with the virgin brides or interpreting his dreams with his mother. Upon encountering Enkidu, said to be his equal, Gilgamesh starts to show that he does attain the cardinal virtues of temperance, prudence and fortitude just like other humans. Gilgamesh does not always exercise the cardinal virtue of temperance. He shows that he does not have moderation and self-control by the tyrannical ruling of his people as well as abusing an age old birthright that robs the bridegroom of his bride on their wedding night (Mason 15). He further shows his lack of self-control and disregard for others by deciding to kill Humbaba, who he describes as “the Evil One” declaring “we must prove ourselves more powerful than he” (Mason 27). This decision proves fatal for Enkidu and Gilgamesh not wanting to accept the death of his friend, tries to search out the one who the thinks can give him the answer to bring Enkidu back. So consumed in his grief, Gilgamesh cannot control himself and destroys the Sacred Stones that would gives him access to the very person he is searching for (Mason 67). Gilgamesh does eventually learn moderation and self restraint, “Gilgamesh said nothing more to force his sorrow on another” (Mason 92). Gilgamesh’s cardinal virtue of prudence has a rocky start just like temperance. Gilgamesh is not one to always make choices based on wisdom or right-judgment. “Sometimes he pushed his people half to death…and then without an explanation let the walls go

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