Genesis Vs Gilgamesh Research Paper

Gilgamesh vs. Genesis Most stories we hear of the past are about heroes that are in search for something of meaning. History is a way to not only let the stories of the past move on to future generations, but also teaches us the morals and values of these epics. Epics are long narrative poems in elevated language that follows the journey of an important figure, or hero, whose journey is important to the history/culture of a people. The hero usually faces adversity and returns home significantly transformed. Epics are also a great way to give us an idea of a lifestyle and the thoughts of a lifetime that we never experienced. The epic of Gilgamesh is about a man who is on a desperate search for immortality after feeling fear he never thought was possible from the death of his good friend, Enkidu. Gilgamesh then goes on a journey in order to preserve himself. In the Book of
Shamash the glorious sun endowed him with beauty, Adad the god of the storm endowed him with courage, the great gods made his beauty perfect, surpassing all others, terrifying like a great wild bull. Two thirds they made him god and one third man.”(48) Although he behaves as a God, he also has human qualities such as fear, thirst of knowledge, and mortality. Gilgamesh gets everything he wants but it is not until his companion and good friend, Enkidu, he begins to feel scared. Gilgamesh goes in search for immortality only to find out from the gods that it is not possible for him. In the Book of Genesis, the main character is Abraham. Throughout the story, God keeps in contact with Abraham telling him of his misfortunes and fortunes. Little did Abraham know that all that God asked of him was a way to test his faith. It was not until Abraham almost sacrificed his son, Isaac, that God knew that his faith was real. In both of these stories, the gods are looked upon as guidance. While Gilgamesh expected the gods to guide him in life, Abraham lived only by God’s