The Epic of Gilgamesh is Truely an Epic
An epic is an extended narrative poem in elevated or dignified language, celebrating the feats of a legendary or traditional hero. The main characteristics of an epic as a literary genre is that it is a long poem that tells a story, it contains an epic hero, its hero searches for immortality (but doesn't find it physically, only through fame), gods or other supernatural beings are interested and involved, and it delivers an historical message. The Epic of Gilgamesh is classified as an epic because it fits all the characteristics of an epic as a literary genre.
The Epic of Gilgamesh can be justly classified as an epic because it is a narrative poem. Because it is a long poem that tells a story, it fits the main definition of an epic. Although the translation from the tablets was written mostly in prose, the original story of Gilgamesh was an epic poem. Evidences that lead to this conclusion include the fact that it was a story that was carried on orally before it was finally recorded. The reason this is significant is because it would be a lot harder to remember a prose story of such length rather than a poetic story. Such poetic devices as rhyme, alliteration, contrast, and repetition were used as mnemonic devices in order for the teller to remember the story thoroughly. It is divided into "verses," or lines, which are often connected by parallel meaning or otherwise into couplets. Because The Epic of Gilgamesh is very repetitious, it falls under the literary genre of the epic. Along with telling a story, it is also written in a poetic style that includes a lot of repetition. This makes the story easier to remember. There are several instances in ...
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...s that we shouldnâˆ(tm)t dwell on the fact that we are going to die, but instead, ∜..fill your belly with good things; day and night, night and day, dance and be merry, feast and rejoice. Let your clothes be fresh, bathe yourself in water, cherish the little child that holds your hand, and make your wife happy in your embrace; for this too is the lot of man.âˆ
In conclusion, The Epic of Gilgamesh clearly fits into the literary genre of an epic because it fits the definition, contains an epic hero, the hero searches for immortality, gods are involved, and it delivers a timeless message. Because it is an epic, the story of Gilgamesh was written and told in poetic form, not prose. It is evident that the title of this work does fit because it is in fact an epic.
Works Consulted:
Sandars, N. K., trans. The Epic of Gilgamesh. London: Penguin, 1972.
The Epic of Gilgamesh is the greatest text of Mesopotamia and one of the earliest pieces of world literature. Gilgamesh quest for immortality explores human concerns about death, friendship, nature, civilization, power, violence, travel adventures, homecoming, love and sexuality. (pg. 95) “The Gilgamesh of the epic is an awe-inspiring, sparkling hero, but at first also the epitome of a bad ruler: arrogant, oppressive, and brutal.” (pg.96) Gilgamesh is 2/3 god because of his superhuman strength and endurance; he is 1/3 human because of his mortality. His epitome of a bad ruler will cause the gods to give consequences to his actions.
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According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, an epic is ‘a long poem that tells the story of a hero's adventures’ or ‘a long book, movie, etc., that usually tells a story about exciting events or adventures’.
The Epic of Gilgamesh has an ultimate theme of the rules of mortality and immortality according to Mesopotamian literature, and fits directly into the description of a true epic poem. Gilgamesh’s ultimate dedication to a friend, rather than himself, completes the idea of an accomplished mortal life according to the deities during his final journey. An epic poem requires a hero that exemplifies the ideals of the type of society the literature is created in, which in this case is reflected through Gilgamesh’s strength, and, in the end, his dedication to the city he
Epics were originally oral and later became narratives. The basic guideline for epics is long narrative poems that are about a serious or worthy event. In this case the epic has to do with the events of a hero that represented an entire nation. The events of this hero are dramatic and tae place in a vast amount of area, which makes it more worthy. The epic poem also includes super natural human beings, another requirement for epics. In Homers The Odyssey Trans. Robert Fitzgerald. New York: Vintage Books, 1990 the use or these epic requirements employ the tale in a exceptional fashion. In other words these epics guidelines are used to the best of their ability to make Homer’s majestic poem outstanding.
In the epic of Gilgamesh, there are many complex characters. Every character involved in the story has their own personality and traits.
"Gilgamesh, Epic Of." Benet's Reader's Encyclopedia (1996: 400. Literary Reference Center. Web. 1 Mar. 2014.web
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The Epic of Gilgamesh served the purpose to shed some light on the culture of Sumeria. The story has helped give factual information even though the epic many not be true in whole, it may have some truth in parts. It has given us more knowledge on the architectural craftsmanship of Sumerian people, and also shows us the belief of many gods in Sumer's polytheistic society.
The Epic of Gilgamesh is technically considered an epic because it contains an epic hero, the hero seek immortality, and a worldwide setting..
An epic hero is defined as someone who seems larger than life, that exemplifies the cultural values of that time period. A piece of literature that revolves around the archetypal hero is the poem Beowulf. Beowulf is the oldest surviving piece of literature in the English language. Although the poem has historical elements woven into it, it is a complete work of fiction. The poem itself was originally untitled. Later on, the poem was named after its protagonist, whom the poem primarily focuses on. Beowulf accurately portrays the archetypal hero in several distinctive ways which include; being a great warrior, traveling over a vast setting, showing humility, and being of noble birth.
Merriam- Webster online dictionary defines an epic hero as, “ A grand and noble character in an epic poem, admired for great achievements or effected by grand events.” The same dictionary also defines an epic poem as, “a story told about a hero or exciting events.” The Epic of Gilgamesh is often considered the oldest story on earth; which would make Gilgamesh, the story’s controversial main character, and the world’s oldest epic hero. This epic set a precedent for all epics to follow; it displayed most of the traits that society commonly perceives an epic hero and epic poem should have. The Epic of Gilgamesh exhibits tendencies of an epic poem through its inclusion of an epic hero, multiple gods and goddesses, and it’s vast array of settings across the world. Additionally, Gilgamesh presents attributes of an epic hero through his quest for immortality, his noble birth and his battles with superhuman foes.
Thus muses Achilles, one of epic poetry's greatest heroes. Epic poetry, one of the earliest forms of literature, began as an oral narration describing a series of mythical or historic events. Eventually, these stories were written down and read aloud to an audience. Although the Epic of Gilgamesh was composed approximately fifteen hundred years prior to the Iliad, the heroes of both epics possess strikingly similar characteristics. Indeed, Gilgamesh and Achilles, as epic heroes, exemplify godlike qualities, great personal power, and fierce pride and loyalty.
The word epic in literary terms according to the online Encyclopaedia Britannica is a "long narrative poem recounting heroic deeds."
To be considered and epic, a piece of literature must exhibit quite a few specific, literary techniques. Some of the main criteria points include being a long, narrative poem, having an epic hero, and containing rhythm, alliteration, and imagery. Beowulf can be considered an epic because it contains all of this criteria.