Gilgamesh: From Tyrant to Compassionate Leader

595 Words2 Pages

The epic of Gilgamesh Gilgamesh was the eldest epic known, which dates back to 2000 B.C. Gilgamesh was a bad king who was very selfish, tyrant and didn’t care about whether his people were satisfied or disappointed. Day after day, the people of Uruk cried aloud to their king who didn’t seem to care, unfortunately there were other god who heard the people of Uruk. Just then, Aruru created a man who looked just like Gilgamesh named Enkidu. Enkidu was set in the forest with the animals. Enkidu and the animals became close friends. As everything went very well in the forest, a hunter speckled Enkidu and he ran to the tyrant king, Gilgamesh. After Gilgamesh heard about Enkidu, he sent a goddess name Harim to bring Enkidu to him. Harim convinced Enkidu to go back to Uruk to meet Gilgamesh. Enkidu and Harim finally have arrived to Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh and Enkidu had a quick battle and Gilgamesh won. Although Gilgamesh won the battle, Enkidu asked Gilgamesh to “stop oppressing your people. And try to be a more just and caring king.” Meaning stop being selfish, tyrant and start caring for your people Enkidu and the king eventually ended up becoming best friends more like “real brother” because of …show more content…

When Enkidu was asked to join in the battle with the king; he was not so sure about that idea because he was afraid something horrible was going to happen to one of them, but at the same time he didn’t want to let his best friend take a battle on his own. The beast of Humbaba resided at the smoky mountain of Humbaba which was a really dangerous place. Gilgamesh killed the cedar forest down, just then Humbaba became very angry with the king and Humbaba sent a long arm of fire. When the two men couldn’t handle the fire flames; Gilgamesh called out to his favorite king, Shamash (the sun of god) to protect: himself, his friend and also his

Show More
Related

  • Epic of Gilgamesh

    403 Words  | 1 Pages

    Ever since the beginning of time, man has learned to mature by trials and tribulations. In the beginning of The Epic of Gilgamesh, the protagonist Gilgamesh appears to be an arrogant person who only cares about himself. He abuses all his powers and takes advantage of people with his physical abilities. Basically in the beginning he thinks that no one on earth is better than him. However, just like all epic poems, the protagonist encounters many challenges that make him a better person. So as the story progresses Gilgamesh slowly starts to change his personality. Various events help transform this tyrant to a humble person.

    Read More

  • Human Relationship In Gilgamesh

    706 Words  | 2 Pages

    The Epic of Gilgamesh is an epic poem that was one of the first works of literature, from ancient Mesopotamia. The epics main character is Gilgamesh and Enkidu. Gilgamesh is two-thirds god and one-third human and he is the king of Uruk. Despite being protector of the city he is a rapist and the gods send Enkidu to defeat Gilgamesh. However, when they meet and battle they become commendable friends afterwards. Together they go on several journeys throughout the first half of the epic and once Enkidu dies, Gilgamesh spends the second half of the epic searching for eternal life.

    Read More

  • Friendship in the Epic of Gilgamesh

    1058 Words  | 3 Pages

    In the epic of Gilgamesh the friendship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu is very complex and necessary. Their friendship brings animal, human, and god together. Gilgamesh is changed by his friendship with Enkidu. He becomes a better person and a better ruler because of Enkidu. Enkidu’s life is enriched because of his friendship with Gilgamesh. Enkidu was created to balance out Gilgamesh, and he accomplishes this goal. The two men are very close, and love each other deeply. Both Gilgamesh and Enkidu benefit from their friendship.

    Read More

  • Interaction With God In The Epic Of Gilgamesh By George Andrew

    863 Words  | 2 Pages

    The Epic of Gilgamesh by George Andrew is based on Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk. Gilgamesh is one-third a man and two-thirds a god. He built beautiful temple towers and surrounded his city with a wall. King Gilgamesh was strong, wise and beautiful. Though he has all the beauty, he was a cruel man. He raped the women that he liked even though the women had husbands or were daughters of noblemen. He also loathed over his servants. He relied on forced labor to build his projects, and the people complained of the endless oppression. The gods heard the pleas of the people and created a wild man by the name Enkidu, who was meant to keep Gilgamesh in check. Enkidu and Gilgamesh became great friends. The gods inflicted Enkidu with a strange illness

    Read More

  • Free Epic of Gilgamesh Essays: Themes of Gilgamesh

    451 Words  | 1 Pages

    Many themes are incorporated into the story line of Gilgamesh. These include three very important concepts: death is inevitable, immortality is unachievable, and friendship is a necessity.

    Read More

  • Theme Of Enkidu's Death In The Epic Of Gilgamesh

    749 Words  | 2 Pages

    As an epic focused on the exploits of a partially divine king, Gilgamesh is deeply concerned with power and authority, particularly as they relate to what it means to be a good king. This theme is established at the outset of the epic, Enkidu’s creation is a response to the absoluteness of Gilgamesh’s power, although this successfully abates Gilgamesh’s brutal treatment of his people, it is Enkidu’s death that permanently alters his behavior. Enkidu’s demise at the hands of the gods is more than a deep personal loss, Gilgamesh’s impotence to prevent the death is an unprecedented inversion in the dynamics of power that catalyzes Gilgamesh’s shift from an abusive and irresponsible king to a mature ruler.

    Read More

  • The Epic of Gilgamesh

    1053 Words  | 3 Pages

    Perhaps one of the main reasons the Epic of Gilgamesh is so popular and has lasted such a long time, is because it offers insight into the human concerns of people four thousand years ago, many of which are still relevant today. Some of these human concerns found in the book that are still applicable today include: the fear and concerns people have in relation to death, overwhelming desires to be immortal, and the impact a friendship has on a person’s life. It does not take a great deal of insight into The Epic of Gilgamesh for a person to locate these themes in the story, and even less introspection to relate to them.

    Read More

  • Role Of Gilgamesh In The Epic Of Uruk

    1460 Words  | 3 Pages

    Gilgamesh ignored many of these kingly duties and was eager to become heroic and godly. "The young men of Uruk he harries without warrant, Gilgamesh lets no son go free to his father. By day and by night his tyranny grows harsher" (George, Tablet I 67-69). The beginning of the epic depicts his kingship as tyrannical and immoral, which could go without question or complaint unless the gods will it. Although considered great for his many feats such as his great walls and military expeditions, his faults could not be questioned by the commoners, which show a flaw in Mesopotamian kingship. Therefore, the gods ask Anu to create a counterpart to Gilgamesh to balance his oppressive reign. "Let him be a match for the storm of his heart, let them vie with each other, so Uruk may be rested!" (Tablet I 97-98). Enkidu, Gilgamesh 's counterpart, was initially created as a wild, uncivilized man rather than a demigod king. His position was to serve as a person that would try to prevent Gilgamesh from becoming so lofty and boastful and to make him become mature and make rational decisions. This becomes evident in Enkidu 's first encounter with Gilgamesh at the wedding: "For the goddess of weddings the bed was laid out, Gilgamesh met with the maiden by night. Forward

    Read More

  • The Transformation of Gilgamesh in the Epic of Gilgamesh

    1766 Words  | 4 Pages

    The epic begins with the men of Uruk describing Gilgamesh as an overly aggressive ruler. "'Gilgamesh leaves no son to his father; day and night his outrageousness continues unrestrained; And he is the shepherd of Uruk, the enclosure; He is their shepherd, and yet he oppresses them. Strong, handsome, and wise. . . Gilgamesh leaves no virgin to her lover.'"(p.18, Line 23-27) The citizens respect him, but they resent his sexual and physical aggression, so they plead to the gods to alleviate some of their burden. The gods resolve to create an equal for Gilgamesh to tame him and keep him in line. This equal, Enkidu, has an immediate impact on Gilgamesh. When they first meet, both having never before met a man equal in stature, they brawl. "They grappled with each other, Snorting like bulls; They shattered the doorpost, that the wall shook."(p.32, lines 15-18)  In giving Gilgamesh a real battle, Enkidu instantly changes him; having this equal gives Gilgamesh a sense of respect for another man. These two men fighting each other creates a serious mess, but they both end up without animosity toward the other.

    Read More

  • Epic Of Gilphash: Themes In The Epic Of Gilgamesh

    2151 Words  | 5 Pages

    The Epic of Gilgamesh is about the King of Uruk, Gilgamesh, who is two-thirds god and one-third man. This story teaches people that life is always changing and it influences us immensely. Several themes are put forth in this story. One theme is love. Enkidu’s love in friendship changed Gilgamesh for the better. This epic shows that interactions with gods (divine) are dangerous because they disapprove the fact that they are being challenged. Another theme is death and immortality. Enkidu dies and this leaves Gilgamesh heartbroken. He wants to avoid his death so starts out to find Utnapishtim. The gods had granted him (Utnapishtim) an eternal life after the flood. However, we learn to accept death and acknowledge that humans

    Read More

  • The Journey Of Gilgamesh As A Hero's Journey

    803 Words  | 2 Pages

    In Gilgamesh, he fights Humbaba with Enkidu, his best friend. Humbaba is the guardian of the Cedar Forest who was assigned by the god Enlil. Gilgamesh doesn't fight for the world, but he has his own reasons. In the text, it states, “Even if I fail I will have made a lasting name for myself’’ (181). In other words, Gilgamesh's motivation to slaughter Humbaba is not just to get rid of evil but to let his people remember him. Gilgamesh is being selfish because if he's dead, Uruk won't have a ruler, which means Uruk will be out of control. The choice Gilgamesh makes causes him not to care about Uruk but only himself. However, the encounter of Enkidu's death has turned Gilgamesh into another person. He couldn't confront the truth that Enkidu has died. Enkidu was more than a best friend to him, he was a brother whom he loved. Because of his love for Enkidu, Gilgamesh builds a statue so everyone in Uruk will remember him. This demonstrates Gilgamesh changing from selfish to selfless. This change is part of Gilgamesh's transformations towards becoming a hero. Gilgamesh changes as a result of Enkidu's death. According to the text, it states, “Gilgamesh interferes in the lives of his subjects beyond his right as king”(175). This proves that Gilgamesh was bothering and annoying the people of Uruk. Gilgamesh is going to become king soon and he shouldn’t disregard or interfere with his subject’s private life.

    Read More

  • Free Epic of Gilgamesh Essays: Character of Gilgamesh

    545 Words  | 2 Pages

    Although Gilgamesh starts out cruel he develops into a very kindhearted man.  He is extremely supportive of Enkidu and encourages him in various situations.  When the men are fighting Humbaba Gilgamesh says, ã[you] will surpass all of them... a fri...

    Read More

  • Gilgamesh As An Epic Hero Essay

    752 Words  | 2 Pages

    ”Despite many elders advising him not to battle Humbaba, he still embarks on the journey with Enkidu, who is expected to “take the forward position in the battle” because Gilgamesh is the king. Enkidu was created by Anu, the sky-god, to “serve as the subhuman rival to the superhuman Gilgamesh.” In tablet 2, when Enkidu is first introduced to the city of Uruk, he stands up to Gilgamesh for abusing his power to sleep with the wives’ of others. When Enkidu loses to Gilgamesh, accepts his dominance, and the two become friends.

    Read More

  • Character Analysis Of The Epic Of Gilgamesh?

    1100 Words  | 3 Pages

    N.K. Sanders, The Epic of Gilgamesh, is one of the most well-known stories in literature. Gilgamesh ruled the city of Uruk and one of the most advanced cities during 2700 B.C. He orders his people to build the strongest walls by protecting them from dangerous attacks. In the Epic, he is described as physically strong, beautiful, and wise ruler of Mesopotamia. Yet, in the beginning, Gilgamesh was uncontrollable of his powers. His people can’t take it anymore and so they prayed to the gods. Anu hears them and sent out Enkidu, a wild man, who battles with Gilgamesh. But losses and they later become best friends. Gilgamesh decides to go on a voyage and Enkidu disagrees with him and said that it was too dangerous. They both decided to go anyway.

    Read More

  • A Summary of the Epic of Gilgamesh

    849 Words  | 2 Pages

    The epic begins with Gilgamesh terrorizing the people of Uruk. They call out to the sky god Anu for help. In response Anu tells the goddess of creation, Aruru, to make an equal for Gilgamesh. Thus Aruru created Enkidu, a brute with the strength of dozens of wild animals. After being seduced by a harlot from the temple of love in Uruk, Enkidu loses his strength and wildness yet gains wisdom and understanding. The harlot offers to take him into Uruk where Gilgamesh lives, the only man worthy of Enkidu's friendship. After a brief brawl the two become devoted friends.

    Read More

More about Gilgamesh: From Tyrant to Compassionate Leader

Open Document