Gilgeam the Horse-Eater: Difference between revisions

'''Gilgeam the Horse-Eater''' also known as '''Gilgeam the Man-Shaped''', '''Gilgeam the Hero''', and '''First King''', is a mythical figure, demigod and cultural hero of the ancient civilizations of [[Rusana]]. Gilgeam is said to have been created by the pantheon to guard their creation, the world and the creatures within. In turn Gilgeam asked for boons from the gods to better carry out his mission, the boons of Sapience, Strength and a heart. As the guardian of creation Gilgeam carried out many dangerous tasks and hunted different fell beasts. Eventually Gilgeam turns against the gods and is cursed to become a mortal man of flesh and blood. In ancient [[Nasrad|Nasrid]] mythology, Gilgeam is reputed to be the first man, creator of the first woman and the progenitor of the entire species and later its first king. In modern [[Rusana]], Gilgeam remains a cultural icon and revered figure in local folklore. In islamic traditions of both Sunni and Shia Muslims he is called Gilshan and is considered to be an angel who helped mankind survive through an era of pain and bleakness until the coming of the Prophet Muhammad. The majority of Gilgeam's mythology is recorded in the Tablets of Fate, a pair of clay tablets found by archeologists in 1968 in an ancient underground fane below Nasrad. The tablets were translated by professor Jamshed Fardin of the Rusana National Museum of Anthropology, the museum keeps the tablets and puts them on exhibition twice a year.  

Despite the mythology describing him as a partially divine construct of the gods, Gilgeam was worshipped as the chief deity and protector of [[Nasrad]], the god of humanity, sacrifice and strength. The people of [[Nasrad]] and the surrounding regions would cling to the worship of Gilgeam so ferociously that the invading Muslims saw no choice but to surreptitiously integrate him into Islam. Gilgeam's mythos represents the indomitable will of man to persevere through adversity and ultimately thrive. The survival of the cult of Gilgeam and its adoption into local Islamic doctrine reflects a more pragmatic side of early [[Oduniyyad Caliphate|Oduniyyad]] commanders campaigning in the frontiers, being far from the imperial metropole, keeping the peace was more important than theological stricture. This equation allowed elements of [[Rusana]]'s pre-Islamic culture and religion to survive to the present day.

Modern day Rusani celebrate the life and sacrifice of Gilgeam as the Festival of Sacrifice (Jashnvareh Eesaar), four days of festivities. On the first day takes place the Feast of Enunu, where a horse is sacrificed and its flesh is cooked and shared by all in the community; mosques and municipalities set up large tents to feed those who cannot sacrifice a horse of their own. On the second day take place the Feats of Strength, where the men of the community participate in various activities such as tug of war and wrestling. This is meant to keep the men fit and strong, as Gilgeam was known to be. The third day is spent in prayers at the mosque, thanking God for sending Gilgeam to protect the world before the Prophet was revealed. The fourth day is a day of quiet, personal reflection on the trials Gilgeam faced and his ultimate sacrifice. The Jashnvareh Eesaar is a recognized festivity by the government and as such all who observe it have a right to four days off from their work.