I have yet to read the epic of Gilgamesh, so I was immediately intrigued by your essay title and content. Equally, your comparison and analysis of Valmiki's Ramayana are fascinating.

I have long considered our widely held and historical beliefs of gender bivalence to be a modern misstep, as with the shift in the relevance of divine feminine power. However, your essay succinctly highlights that perhaps ancient traditions also wrestled with the complexities, power structures and manoeuvring that arises.

Perhaps in truth, as you highlight so well, an imposed social order is reflected in history, culture and beliefs but is also a symptom of an eternal struggle to recognise power. When in reality, as recognised by various indigenous cultures and spiritual practices, maybe we should consider each of us possessing varying degrees of a dual gender.

An impressive scholarly essay, Lacqueredcurls with equally striking images. It makes me realise I should carve out the time, to read and benefit from such wisdom.