WHAT MAKES GILGAMESH AN EPIC HERO?

Name:

Date:

Lecturer:

TITLE: WHAT MAKES GILGAMESH AN EPIC HERO?

Gilgamesh is classified as Epic Hero since epic in literature does refer to a poem that is derived from oral ancient tradition. Gilgamesh is known as a historical king of Uruk in the middle east and did exist at around 2700 B.C. The main characteristics of a poem to be referred as epic it should be long and narrates adventurers and deeds of legendary or heroic figure mostly on the history of a nation. Epic of Gilgamesh is among the oldest poem documenting the story of Kings journey in proving his finding of immortality and valiance. Hence, Gilgamesh was referred to as one third god and two third human this does explain on his struggle to get everlasting life which is recurring throughout the poem.

An epic is also a poem which is celebrating a traditional hero and legend whom king Gilgamesh is therefore his story as the king and how he rules does fit all the characteristics of epic as literary genre. Being a king who strived to be remembered by his legacy rather than the longevity of the time he ruled.

Gilgamesh was considered as a hero since he had many greatness qualities such as heroism, loyalty and perseverance. Gilgamesh was as well-known as a great man who was seen as perfect in strength and flawless and did represent a more of a human version of god which made it difficult to see his flaws and was perfect in strength.

The poem does document on the numerous challenges faced by Gilgamesh and display of heroism even at a time when he is faced with death. For the purpose of this discussion I will discuss on the four examples which Gilgamesh did depict heroism. This examples of heroism do prove that the poem is epic since its does show that it’s a long poem full of hero saga. Herein are the four heroic instances which I do discuss as prove that fore real Gilgamesh an Epic Hero: Discovery of plant of eternal life, killing bull of heaven, climbing mount Mashu and defeating the beast Humbaba.

According to Ira Spar at Metropolitan Museum of Art the king Gilgamesh did care more about his kingdom rather than his praise, fame or glory and this is a true characteristic of a hero. For example, when he found the plant of eternal life he first though of sharing it with the elderly people in his kingdom those who would die much soon if there were no supernatural intervention rather than taking the plant on his own (Sandars, 1960). He also yarned for wisdom as opposed to power therefore being loyal, unselfish and was willing to sacrifice his life in behalf of others. Hence, he was very much aware that his achievements would give him a more long-lasting legacy rather than immortality.

Ishtar the Queen of Heaven did tempt Gilgamesh through manipulation when she tried to seduce him after the goddess was sexually aroused by the Kings beauty. When Gilgamesh rejected advances of the goddess Ishtar she felt dehumanized and sent a Bull of Heaven to kill the king. However, the king along with his friend Enkidu did kill the bull and ripped out its heart. These were good examples of a hero than not only did he demonstrate integrity after being tempted by Ishtar but he also killed the monster.

Gilgamesh was a true hero since he was not afraid of facing unbearable odds. Mount Mashu was known as impossible mountain to climb by humans due to; trenches, steep cliff and the scorpion guard living at the top of the mountain watching over the steep cliff. However, Gilgamesh did climb the mountain to the amusement of the scorpion guard due to his strength, bravely, rock-climbing skills and agility he did allow him to pass through the gate. Not only did Gilgamesh pass the gate at the peak of the mountain but the scorpion guard did wish Gilgamesh all the best at his future journeys and did hope gods will be with him.

King Gilgamesh was not afraid of putting his life in danger on behalf of those he was ruling. This is proven by his bold decision to when he decided to fight the monster Humbaba which was a creature that intimidated all those who lives nearby and didn’t allow anyone pass through the cedar forest (Sandars, 1960). Although the people who lived in Gilgamesh home town did advise him not to fight the monster he did trick Humbaba by offering his sisters to their mistresses and wife. Thus, the monster was taken into captivity and eventually beheaded risking his life with an aim to save the community which he leads.

In conclusion, Epic of Gilgamesh can be classified as an epic since it is a narrative poem, a long poem telling a story. It is evident that it was an oral story before it was recorded on tablets. This is quite significant since it would have been difficult to remember such a long story if it was not a poetic story. Since use of poetic devices such as contrast, alliteration, repetition, rhythm and contrast were used as mnemonic devices with an aim of the story teller to be able to remember the story teller thoroughly.

Work Cited

Sandars, N. (1960). The Epic of Gilgamesh Revised Edition. London, England: Penguin Classics