The Epic Of Gilgamesh: A Hero's Journey

396 Words1 Page

In my reality, a hero is someone who does something for someone else and expects nothing in return. They are the ones who work tirelessly behind the scenes providing clean drinking water for a village, saving someone from some kind of harm (i.e. car accident, house fire, etc.), fighting to correct injustices, and trying to the make the world a much better place than before they got here. However, in modern literature heroes are ordinary people with extraordinary skills, like two of my favorite literary characters Jason Bourne (The Bourne Trilogy) and Lisbeth Salander (Millennium Series). They are heroes with flaws who have been damaged. They possess qualities in which people can relate to, and yet these imperfect heroes use their almost superhuman …show more content…

By reading the Epic of Gilgamesh we learn about his transformation. It is his friendship with Enkidu, through divine interference, where the conversion from tyrant to hero begins. As Gilgamesh the hero emerges, he meets the criteria for his time as to what actually defines a hero: he is three parts god and one part human, he competes in epic battles (Humbaba, Bull of Heaven, and Enkidu), he possesses the desire for fame and fortune, he embarks on a long and dangerous journey, including a trip into the underworld (another epic hero who goes through a similar journey is Odysseus in the Odyssey) to find Utnapishtim in a vain attempt to gain the secret to immortality, but with the death of Enkidu he gains the understanding that death may claim him at any time. The real heroism of Gilgamesh takes place after the loss of Enkidu and the failed journey to find eternal life, when he returns to his kingdom no longer the hated tyrant, but rather a most beloved king. While Gilgamesh does not achieve immortality in the literal sense, he gains it through being a good king to his people which in turn truly makes Gilgamesh a

Show More
Related

  • Gilgamesh As An Epic Hero

    1051 Words  | 3 Pages

    N.K. Sanders, The Epic of Gilgamesh, is one of the most well-known stories in literature. The story beings with Gilgamesh, one-third human and two-thirds God. He ruled the greatest city with strong walls in Urnk to save his people from dangerous attacks. He is described as the most beautiful, strong, and wise ruler of Mesopotamia. He then goes on a quest with Enkidu. When they arrive at Ceder Forest Enkidu dreams that killing the Bull of Heaven had some consequences. Either Enkidu or Gilgamesh must die. Enkidu was chosen and suffered a severe illness. Enkidu did not make it, he was deeply sadden and decide to continue his quest to find immortality. He showed fear towards death because of his friend and now risking everything in hopes that Utnapishtim

    Read More

  • Essay On The Anti-Hero In The Crucible By Arthur Miller

    1544 Words  | 4 Pages

    A hero is defined as "someone admired for his bravery, great deeds or noble qualities". There are three categories to which all heroes can be classified into, one of which is the anti-hero genre.

    Read More

  • The Epic Of Gilgamesh Summary

    946 Words  | 2 Pages

    ​King Gilgamesh ruled the walled city of Uruk located in Mesopotamia, present day Iraq/Syria, around 2700 B.C. He ruled the Sumerians for around 128 years. This extremely long life was made possible by the fact that he was thought to be a demi-god. His mother was named Ninsun. She was the goddess of wisdom. One of the most well-known stories about Gilgamesh was the time he and his friend, Eukidu, killed a fierce monster guarding a sacred cedar forest.

    Read More

  • 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

  • Is Gilgamesh An Epic Hero

    1177 Words  | 3 Pages

    In the The Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh sets on a journey to uncover his individuality and transforms from a brutal leader to a mature and astute king. The quasi-divine Gilgamesh debilitates his people by battle, forced labor, and his abuse of power. Gilgamesh is considered to be the greatest of all men until Enkidu is sent and counterweights Gilgamesh’s virtues and flaws. When Gilgamesh becomes fearful for his own death, because of the loss of his partner, he seeks eternal life. He unfortunately does not obtain eternal life, but instead he obtains the wisdom he needs to rule as a better king. This journey is what proves to make Gilgamesh an epic hero. Although, Gilgamesh is considered to be truly an epic hero in the end, there are some aspects

    Read More

  • Mulan As A Hero

    739 Words  | 2 Pages

    “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles” (Christopher Reeves). In other words a hero can be anyone that is determined and helps other people. A hero is someone who can face challenges with determination, who can persevere or exceed beyond expectation, but is not always buff, or strong.

    Read More

  • Hero Essay: A Hero In Real Life

    710 Words  | 2 Pages

    Some definitions of heroes are people, who have noble qualities, and put the lives of others before their own life. They are expected to be reasonable and calm, during scary times, like when a shooting is going on, looking out for

    Read More

  • Epic of Gilgamesh

    1024 Words  | 3 Pages

    . Mesopotamia, current day Iraq, derived its name from words meaning, "the land between the rivers," which refers to the Tigris and Euphrates. This land was inhabited during the fourth millennium B.C.E. and throughout time transcended into political and military organizations. The significance of these cultures revolved around important warrior figures and their impact on society. The most important figure that will be discussed is the protagonist from The Epic of Gilgamesh. Many consider it to be the greatest literary composition written in cuneiform Akkadian around 2150 BC. This epic portrays the life of the great warrior, Gilgamesh. It chronicles how his victories, both militaristic and internal, ultimately determined his superiority. This relates to the ancient Mesopotamian society in many ways, including the role of warriors and the dual nature of Gilgamesh.

    Read More

  • Richard the Third as a Hero or a Villain

    2535 Words  | 6 Pages

    A hero is a man who is distinguished by exceptional courage, nobility. and strength to carry out tasks that involve great risks. A hero can also be a person who fights for other people to help or save them. from their fears and fears. He opposes the villain - a person who does wicked or intentionally harm others in some way, emotionally or otherwise.

    Read More

  • Epic of Gilgamesh Essay - The Ever-Changing Gilgamesh

    547 Words  | 2 Pages

    The quest for immortality after the death of Enkidu is the first sign that Gilgamesh has changed. Gilgamesh becomes frightened when he realizes that he isn’t immortal. After the death of Enkidu, Gilgamesh tries to find immortality by trying to cross the ocean to find it. He sounds pathetic as he rambles of his reason for trying to find everlasting life. His state of being at this part in the book, which is the end, is completely different from his arrogant beginning of this epic. Gilgamesh has gone from arrogant to scared.

    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

  • The Epic of Gilgamesh

    890 Words  | 2 Pages

    Justice is described as a concept of moral rightness based on ethics, rationality, law, natural law, religion, fairness, or equity. The people of ancient Egypt and ancient Mesopotamia also believed and relied on this concept. Rulers, if not fair and just, were often eliminated by their subjects or their enemies. There were many great kings and pharaohs of the ancient age that were just to their kingdoms, and these often went down in history. Yet, those kings and pharaohs who were blinded by their own selfishness often became just as famous. Two men, Akhenaten of ancient Egypt and Gilgamesh, king of Uruk, were such rulers. They were powerful and cunning individuals, yet they let their own selfish nature ruin the ability to be a great leader.

    Read More

  • Gilgamesh: A Mythical Hero

    855 Words  | 2 Pages

    ...teristics and literary devices. The general archetypical description of a hero follows an outline of a muscular figure and super abilities. Yet on the contrary, in myths, heroes may not possess any of those traits. Whether the so-called hero is learning their lesson, overcoming struggle or even descending into darkness, all heroes share some similar and almost identical characteristics. A vast majority of all mythological heroes share the same basic idea which, helps audiences identify whether or not the character is indeed a hero or not. From story to myth or fairytale to drama, the hero is one character who changes the plot entirely. Whether that hero may be saving a burning building, or discovering who they are themselves, our heroes all give us hopes and dreams that one day even our worth will be recognized by ourselves and others as our admirable hero’s are.

    Read More

  • The Journey Of Gilgamesh As A Hero's Journey

    803 Words  | 2 Pages

    The beginning of his birth starts the origin of the hero's journey. Because of his unusual birth, it meant that he's still human and will eventually face death. But, Gilgamesh knowing that he can die any moment won’t stop him from going on adventures and completing his quests. Along with Gilgamesh being two-thirds god, it meant that the gods were always on his side. Whether it was making decisions for Uruk or helping Gilgamesh throughout his journey the gods were always there for him. As a result, Gilgamesh's birth is an aspect of him becoming a hero. The text states, “Gilgamesh was the renowned king of the city of Uruk. To his people, Gilgamesh was a tyrant who became a great hero” (175). In other words, Gilgamesh is known to become the king of Uruk. For that reason, the people of Uruk would praise him as a hero. Gilgamesh that was born to be a king was unusual for Gilgamesh

    Read More

  • A Summary of the Epic of Gilgamesh

    849 Words  | 2 Pages

    The Epic of Gilgamesh is a moving tale of the friendship between Gilgamesh, the demigod king of Uruk, and the wild man Enkidu. Accepting ones own mortality is the overarching theme of the epic as Gilgamesh and Enkidu find their highest purpose in the pursuit of eternal life.

    Read More

More about The Epic Of Gilgamesh: A Hero's Journey

Open Document