Epic heroes are essential characters in literature and frequently serve as examples of morality and perfection. They have tremendous physical and mental abilities and are larger-than-life characters. They display traits like bravery, intelligence, bravery, and loyalty that set them apart from regular people. It is essential to note that Gilgamesh is an epic hero because he is extremely talented, a strong, brave hero, and distinguished by his intelligence.
The main character in the Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh, is an epic hero because he exhibits traits common to epic heroes. First, he possesses extraordinary talents due to his demigod status as the offspring of the goddess Ninsun and the mortal monarch Lugalbanda. Second, despite being informed that the monster Humbaba is unbeatable, Gilgamesh fights and kills him, proving his tremendous strength and bravery (Foster 31). Third, he is intelligent and wise, as seen by his quest to find Utnapishtim, the immortal, in order to discover the key to perpetual life. Moreover, Gilgamesh undergoes a transformation during his voyage that accords with Campbell’s concept of “the hero’s journey”. The three stages of the hero’s journey are departure, initiation, and return (Campbell 210). The hero is called to adventure and leaves his regular life behind during the departure stage. The hero goes through a change that results in self-discovery throughout the initiation stage, which includes tribulations that put his character and abilities to the test. The hero finally enters the return stage, returning to his regular life with newfound wisdom and understanding.
In the Gilgamesh Epic, Gilgamesh’s departure is indicated by his desire to demonstrate his might and establish his legitimacy as a king. He embarks on a mission to vanquish Humbaba and win glory for all time (Foster 31). Gilgamesh encounters a number of challenges during the initiation stage, such as the temptation of the goddess of love, Ishtar, and the passing of his companion Enkidu. He begins to wonder about his own mortality and the purpose of existence as a result of these events (Helle 64). Gilgamesh eventually returns to his homeland of Uruk with a renewed sense of gratitude for life and the understanding that only the gods are capable of immortality.
In summary, Gilgamesh exemplifies the traits of an epic hero through his physical strength, bravery, and determination. In addition, he has humanizing weaknesses like hubris and arrogance. He embarks on a trip of self-discovery as a result of his defects, which fits with Joseph Campbell’s idea of “the hero’s journey” (Campbell 210). Throughout his voyage, Gilgamesh encounters difficulties that test his identity and moral principles. As a result, he comes to appreciate the value of wisdom, humility, and the greater good. Gilgamesh undergoes a change that allows him to become a hero who represents both the virtues and shortcomings of humanity, making him an ageless and accessible figure.
Works Cited
Campbell, Joseph. The Hero With a Thousand Faces. Joseph Campbell Foundation, 2020.
Foster, Benjamin R. The Epic of Gilgamesh. WW Norton & Company, 2019.
Helle, Sophus. Gilgamesh: A New Translation of the Ancient Epic. Yale University Press, 2021.