The Epic Of Gilgamesh, By John Emerich Dalberg Essay

Power tends to take on different forms in every culture and society, and has taken on these different forms all throughout the history of mankind. Power can come in the form of wealth, position, strength, land, or success, and it all depends on where you are in the world and during what time period you are there. No matter what sense of power one might be referring to, some say that the acquisition of power corrupts one’s character and being. In 1887, John Emerich Dalberg Action made a powerful statement: â€Å"Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely†. While some may argue otherwise, I agree whole heartedly with Action. Corruption from one gaining or having power can be seen in ancient literature and through the observation of today’s world leaders and public figures. Whether it is in the fictional world of the past, or in the reality of the present, there is strong evidence that supports Action’s statement that power corrupts those w ho obtain it. In the epic of Gilgamesh, one of the oldest pieces of literature we have recovered and the first recorded epic, this corruption due to power is quite evident. The main character of the epic, Gilgamesh, is a great warrior who was essentially forged by the gods. As the epic says, â€Å"Two thirds they made him god and one third man† (Sandars). Being two thirds god, Gilgamesh had strength and raw power that could be matched by no other in Uruk or in the world. With this power, Gilgamesh knew he could do anything and