One of my favorite myths is the epic of Gilgamesh, for within it is a glimpse of ancient sexuality, and gives a most ennobling roles to my vocational ancestor--the temple harlot. The story is set in Ancient Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq), and follows King Gilgamesh of Uruk and his friend, Enkidu.
In the story, King Gilgamesh is told a wild man living outside the walls of the city. He is hairy, unclothed, unwashed. So uncivilized is he that the animals are not bothered by his presence; he is able to graze with the antelope and hunt with the lions. But Gilgamesh knows what to do--he pulls aside a temple prostitute, Shamhat, and tells her his plan. She is a priestess of Ishtar, an earthly embodiment of the Goddess' love of man and creative passions. When the wild man sees her, he is entranced--he feels the recognition of his own species and is easily seduced by the priestess' gentle touch and soothing voice.
After their lovemaking, the man is forever changed--the animals are spooked by his scent. The hair on his body begins to thin so Shamhat clothes him and keeps him warm, showering him with affection. It is she who first civilizes him and brings him to the city to live with other humans.
...the wild man, Enkidu, goes on to become the King's most trusted friend. The harlot's brief but vital role is glossed over in many versions, and in some translations she is called a temple singer to make it more "family friendly", but it does reveal the sacred roots of the world's oldest profession. It is woman--not man--responsible for soothing humans' wild tendencies. It is she who pulls out the animal in him, gives him a safe place to express it, and allows his higher consciousness to take full reign.
It also reminds me of another myth.....but I will save that for another post.
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