The Bull of Heaven: animality and astronomy in Tablet VI of the Gilgamesh Epic

Louise M. Pryke

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This paper considers the validity of possible interpretations of the incident involving the Bull of Heaven in Tablet VI of the Gilgamesh Epic. The battle of heavy-weights, involving Gilgamesh, Enkidu, Ishtar and the Bull of Heaven, has evoked numerous scholarly explanations, ranging from gender-focused interpretations to astrological ones. This paper aims to consider how well an astrological explanation of the Bull of Heaven episode fits with other hermeneutical traditions. Does an astrological interpretation of the narrative preclude other interpretations? Or is there a degree of coherency among scholarly accounts?
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)161-168
Number of pages8
JournalARAM Periodical
Volume29
Issue number1&2
Publication statusPublished - 2017
Externally publishedYes

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