Myth and religion
In ancient Iraq - the interaction between myth and religion cannot be ignored. Despite its multiple functions, myth was often used religiously, to the point that on certain occasions it became part of the religious rituals themselves, and this is agreed upon, according to what was mentioned in the ancient Iraqi heritage and as stated. In the Babylonian Genesis epic - Enuma Elish - it was recited by the high priest on the fourth day of the Babylonian New Year celebrations - Akitu - in the presence of the king, senior leaders and priests –
In addition to that, myth shares with religion a common concept in many other features, the most prominent of which is the importance it gives to the gods in exchange for limiting the human role, neglecting it, and making it subservient to them and subject to the influence of the effective power that the gods have over the rest of the beings, and even if some humans are granted special advantages, they remain within the limits of what is It was decreed that it did not allow its owners to transcend their original nature in preparation for entering a higher world. This is what Siduri, the innkeeper, indicated in her conversation with Gilgamesh. She was telling the truth - Where are you seeking, Gilgamesh? That the life you seek will not be found - when you created the gods. The bones of humans - death has dominated humanity and it has taken over life –
In ancient Iraq, fear was considered a common denominator between religions - the priests of the temples of Babylon made great efforts aimed at imposing the worship of the god - Marduk - on all other peoples who were ruled by the ancient Babylonian state 1894-1595 BC, and this stems from the position and greatness of the god - Marduk. - And the high status he obtained, and this matter was later introduced by the priests of Assyria, who found that the god - Assyria - also deserved to become a great god, especially after the Assyrians were able to extend their influence in large areas of the ancient Near East, and the myth is treated within this guidance to justify religious perceptions. And confirming her credibility due to her superior emotional energy and aesthetic poetic style, thanks to which she is able to penetrate all barriers and address emotions.
Sources
The Book of the Religion of Babylon and Assyria - pp. 95-96 - Hook - Translated by Nihad Khayat
A book from mythical awareness to the beginnings of theoretical philosophical thinking - pp. 27-29-33 - Dr. Abdel Basset Sida