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The three essays presented in this volume reveal the symbolic complexity and poetic visions of ancient Near Eastern mythology. The author explores the interrelated themes of erotic desire, divine conflict, and death's realm in selected ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian mythological narratives using contemporary methods of literary analysis. Topics include the construction of desire in the Gilgamesh epic, a psychoanalytic approach to 'The Contendings of Horus and Seth', and gender and the exercise of power in the stormy romance of Nergal and Ereshkigal. Walls' fresh treatment of these three important myths brings them to life for the specialist and mythology buff alike.
Introduction: Hidden Riches in Secret Places Methods and Approaches
1. The Allure of Gilgamesh: The Construction of Desire in the Gilgamesh Epic
Introduction: The Construction of Desire: Queering Gilgamesh
The Erotic Gilgamesh: The Prostitute and the Primal Man: Inciting Desire, The Gaze of Ishtar: Denying Desire, Heroic Love: Requiting Desire, The Death of Desire
Conclusion
2. On the Couch with Horus and Seth: A Freudian Analysis
Introduction: Oedipus in Ancient Egypt
A Contentious Court: Two Episodes: The Insult and the Enigma, Island Intrigue
The Three Contests: Under the Water, In the Bed, On the Boat
Conclusion
3. Desire in Death’s Realm: Sex, Power, and Violence in “Nergal and Ereshkigal”
Introduction: Giving Death its Due
Crucible of Desire: Ereshkigal’s Wiles
A Goddess Scorned: Ereshkigal’s Complaint
To Reign in Hell: Nergal’s Return, Gender and Power
Conclusion: Desire and Death
References
Subject Index
Text Index