Hedonism and Divinity

Hedonism, the pursuit of pleasure as an end to itself, is controversial, to say the least. Whether discussing ethical or psychological hedonism, generally, hedonism is frowned upon by most mainstream philosophies and religions.    

Left-Hand Path (LHP) philosophies, which include Dark Paganism, being a heterodox system, view hedonism differently than the mainstream. Life is meant to be lived, and the physical pleasures of embodiment are to be enjoyed. Joseph Campbell’s famous recommendation to “Follow your bliss” may be described as a hedonistic statement.

The roots of hedonism may be ancient. In fact, they may date back to the oldest written story, the Epic of Gilgamesh. In the myth, the hero Gilgamesh, in his grief over the death of Enkidu, is on a quest for immortality. During his adventure, he comes upon a woman described as an “alewife” named Siduri. While there is some debate among scholars, according to one interpretation, Siduri was the goddess Ishtar. According to some later texts, Siduri is an epithet for the goddess Ishtar (Inanna in Sumerian). In the tale, Siduri tells Gilgamesh the following:

‘When the gods created humans
they allotted to them death,
but life they retained in their own keeping.
As for you, Gilgamesh,
fill your belly with good things;
day and night, night and day, dance and be merry,
feast and rejoice.
Let your clothes be fresh,
bathe yourself in water,
cherish the little child that holds your hand,
and make your wife happy in your embrace;
for this too is the lot of humans.’

Some have speculated that this is a hedonistic declaration. In this view of the myth, Ishtar, through Her manifestation as Siduri, is giving Gilgamesh the meaning of life. Death comes for us all, so life is to be enjoyed. 

 

I’m not a scholar and, therefore, not qualified to give an opinion on the academic debates about this scene in the Epic. I will say that, for various reasons, I believe Siduri is Ishtar/ Inanna in this myth. And I believe the message from the goddess is to enjoy life and the pleasures of this world.

Enjoy life.