A Hero, The Gods, and Mortal Men

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Clack. Bang. Swish. The sweet sound of armor spears, flying arrows, and slicing swords are nothing more than the sounds of a hero pursuing a quest to greatness. Throughout history people long to find that inner-being who becomes enlightened with knowledge to acquire an everlasting existence. For one to search for everlasting life and conquer beast may merely be just a rhythm of life that has forever held to the test of time. For any man and every man can relate to a god, but the human mortality of temporary existence comes bleeding through at some point in time. Gilgamesh, Beowulf, and Odysseus all portrayed having god like qualities, yet their human mortality lead them to be remembered as heroes to their cultures and civilizations.
Gilgamesh is a strong, powerful, arrogant leader that is two-thirds god and one part human. Gilgamesh was truly a hero by showing his skill in battle, intelligence, valor, reverence, and yet he held a respect for death. On his quest to finding the plant that contained the components for a mortal man to acquire everlasting life, the protagonist overcame obstacles and complications. Gilgamesh slay the demon monster, keeper of the forest, Humbaba and showed his impressive fighting skill. The man that was more than half of a god showed his arrogance by refusing the goddess Ishtar’s love. Gilgamesh walked past giant scorpions and rowed his way through a sea that consumed anything that touched its surface. Throughout the epic of Gilgamesh, the story is rash, violent, and impetuous; however, it not until he finally acquires wisdom that he earns the respect and devotion of his people. The lines within the oldest text amongst men proclaimed what he had learned was when the epic states that “he looked at the w...

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...nding characteristics of a hero. For only a fool would want to live forever and a day. It takes will, strength, power, and a motive to keep a balance of liberty and just to slay beast. Perhaps it takes a man to want nothing more than to see his family again in order to pursue a quest that overcomes all obstacles. The closest thing to a god that a mortal being can become is nothing more than a hero amongst men. Gilgamesh, Beowulf, and Odysseus were all mortal beings, yet each of these men portrayed god like qualities. For none of these men were gods; however, they were all a hero in each of their cultures and are still remembered today. Although ordinary people, extraordinary people, and even those who are seemingly god-like all go through trials and tribulations pursuing wisdom, bravery, and legacy, the heroes amongst us may fall, but they will never be forgotten.

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