Heroism of Gilgamesh
World Lit I
February 15, 2012
Heroism of Gilgamesh The nature of heroism is defined as the attributes or qualities of a hero and his or her courageous actions. This might be true when describing Gilgamesh and his heroism, in The Epic of Gilgamesh, but he is also considered a hero because he follows the model of the mono-mythic quest. Throughout the epic, he leaves his society in hopes of gaining everlasting life, yet only returns with wisdom that becomes beneficiary to his people. Not only does Gilgamesh have the stereotypical attributes of a hero, he becomes wise and develops stronger morals through his anticlimatical journey that essentially make him a hero. Gilgamesh contains all of the superficial characteristics that are identical to heroes in other myths. “When the gods created Gilgamesh they gave him the perfect body and endowed him with beauty and courage” (61) giving him confidence to rule his kingdom without fear. Also, he was one-third man and two-thirds man, which gave him an advantage over others. Gilgamesh used these attributes for the wrong reasons making him the opposite of a true hero. In other words, he was arrogant and would purposely stir up trouble, such as “sacrificing” warriors and “raping” women. He took advantage of his traits and powers as king. Being that he never had a sense of overcoming a struggle nor competition, the gods created Enkidu in hopes of changing Gilgmesh’s views on life. Learning of the man who runs with the wild beasts, Enkidu, Gilgamesh becomes threatened with the idea of defeat. He is intimidated because Enkidu’s strength could possibly exceed his own. After an intense competition between the two, Gilgamesh wins. He then tells Enkidu that Ninsun bore him and he is “now raised above all men, and Enlil has given him the kingship, for his strength surpasses the strength of men” (17). When the two accept the outcome of their challenge, they become friends. Thus, allowing Gilgamesh to become
February 15, 2012
Heroism of Gilgamesh The nature of heroism is defined as the attributes or qualities of a hero and his or her courageous actions. This might be true when describing Gilgamesh and his heroism, in The Epic of Gilgamesh, but he is also considered a hero because he follows the model of the mono-mythic quest. Throughout the epic, he leaves his society in hopes of gaining everlasting life, yet only returns with wisdom that becomes beneficiary to his people. Not only does Gilgamesh have the stereotypical attributes of a hero, he becomes wise and develops stronger morals through his anticlimatical journey that essentially make him a hero. Gilgamesh contains all of the superficial characteristics that are identical to heroes in other myths. “When the gods created Gilgamesh they gave him the perfect body and endowed him with beauty and courage” (61) giving him confidence to rule his kingdom without fear. Also, he was one-third man and two-thirds man, which gave him an advantage over others. Gilgamesh used these attributes for the wrong reasons making him the opposite of a true hero. In other words, he was arrogant and would purposely stir up trouble, such as “sacrificing” warriors and “raping” women. He took advantage of his traits and powers as king. Being that he never had a sense of overcoming a struggle nor competition, the gods created Enkidu in hopes of changing Gilgmesh’s views on life. Learning of the man who runs with the wild beasts, Enkidu, Gilgamesh becomes threatened with the idea of defeat. He is intimidated because Enkidu’s strength could possibly exceed his own. After an intense competition between the two, Gilgamesh wins. He then tells Enkidu that Ninsun bore him and he is “now raised above all men, and Enlil has given him the kingship, for his strength surpasses the strength of men” (17). When the two accept the outcome of their challenge, they become friends. Thus, allowing Gilgamesh to become