A Hero and Two-Thirds Ancient literature has many great tales of heroes journeying to the ends of the earth to find mystic items, slay mythical beasts, or prove themselves to the gods. The two of the greatest heroes are Odysseus from Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey and Gilgamesh from the Sumarian epic sharing the name. While these two characters are in different areas of the world and from different eras, they have more in common than one might believe. They share several common traits, pride, direction from the gods, and the relationship they have with their loved ones, but Pride is they main flaw shared. This is the reason why the act the way they do. The similarities in the characters show how alike these two legendary heroes are. Odysseus’s pride, appears more subtly in the Odyssey and actually benefits him at the end of his tale, instead of being bluntly obvious and hindering him, as it did with Gilgamesh. His pride stems from his renowned skills in archery and cunning. Both he uses, to his full advantage, when it comes to dealing with suitors in his home. While Odysseus was disguised as an old beggar by Athena's magic and all their weapons had been taken into a storeroom, this hero and his son tricked the suitors into a contest. This contest was to string Odysseus’ old bow and shoot an arrow through the notch in the axe head. Odysseus took so much pride in not only his marksmanship but his cunning as well, since he sets up a contest that he believes that no else could ever hope to make the shot, let alone string his bow. Then as a secondary measure he and his son hide the suitors weapons the night before the contest in order to help him kill the suitors after he won the contest. His pride shines through his character once he... ... middle of paper ... ...given a task, which he almost immediately failed. Upon his failure, he was removed from the premises, but Utnapishtum's wife gave him a consolation. He was to find a plant that granted youth, found it and it was stolen from Gilgamesh in the night by a serpent. With his dreams of immortality shattered, he finally accepts his mortality and tries to make his city of Uruk his lasting monument in the world, becoming a better ruler. Pride, in one fashion or another, led both Odysseus and Gilgamesh through their travels. Both rested their respective stories as a wizened king, learned and worn. They both had families, even if one was adopted, they gave great care about. At a point, their pride hurts their families. However they persevered through their stories, though inevitably Gilgamesh failed in his ultimate goal, while Odysseus succeeded in his goals were more simple.
From the days of ancient Greece and before, epic heroes have had their lives chronicled and their stories passed on from generation to generation all the way to present day. Two of the greatest heroes have been Gilgamesh from the epic named after him and Achilles from Homer's Iliad. While the two men's stories transpired in vastly different eras, their lives shared a surprising number of commonalities. Of course, with resemblances come several discrepancies in the way they lived and the ideals they believed in.
Gilgamesh and Odysseus are similar not only in their physical appearances but also in the way the two of them deal with life's dilemmas. Although Gilgamesh and Odysseus possess great strength and sharp minds, their own flaws blind them similarly, which does not aid in their quest for what they desire. As part of their heroic character, the gods must guide them in order to reach their goals. In every epic from antiquity, the greatest challenge a hero must overcome is not a monster or an evil tyrant but themselves. They wish to have glory, honor, and a place in history forever. Doing something that no one else could ever do again is what a hero desires to do. From Gilgamesh to The Odyssey, epic heroes constantly have to reinvent themselves to overcome their own weaknesses and shortcomings. Each has to learn from their previous mistakes, using the gods? help, so they can fulfill their dreams. In doing this, Odysseus and Gilgamesh will reach their goals.
Utanapishtim explained to Gilgamesh how he didn’t believe he was worthy of immortality; he then challenged Gilgamesh to a challenge he failed terribly at. After Utanapishtim sends off Gilgamesh he tells them to come back and explains to him about a plant that can make the person who eats it young again. He eventually finds the plant but after a series of unfortunate events he realizes that he cannot live forever. He comes to accept this and returns home and has an awakening. He understands that he may not be able to live forever but his legacy can. He learns that being a great, caring and selfless leader is the way to live in history forever. His citizens loved the new Gilgamesh and he went down in history as a great leader and his story is still told to this
Gilgamesh and Odysseus are two heroes from two different time periods that were both in search of the meaning of life. The epics that the two characters are featured in Gilgamesh, was developed from early Mesopotamia and the Odyssey in early Greece. Gilgamesh was a very popular and it was very valuable to the historian of Mesopotamian culture because it reveals much about the religious world, such as their attitudes toward the gods, how a hero was defined and regarded, views about death and friendship.
This tale coincides with the times in Greece. This was a time that art and Philosophy were extremely important and respected by the people. Odysseus was a new type of hero that didn’t win by overpowering his opponents, but by using his mind to outwit them. Manners also seemed to play an important role to Odysseus, as he was learned to be polite and generous to strangers and in the end punished those who weren’t.
When comparing Homer’s Odysseus to King Leonidas, Leonidas should be considered the greater hero. Leonidas proves his loyalty to his men by fighting alongside them in battle, even as king. Not only does Leonidas fight with his men, he also fight against a tyrant to preserve his democracy. Odysseus on the other hand is not trustworthy, and proves that by having an affair while on his long journey away from his wife, Penelope. Leonidas is a great hero, as well as a great king.
Both The Odyssey and the Epic of Gilgamesh are two incredible stories written long ago. These two epics share many of the same concepts. Such as the nostro (the Greek term for homecoming), xenis (guest/host relationship), oikos (household), and aganoriss (recognition). In both epics these themes are illustrated.
With the Odyssey, Odysseus learned a big lesson in humility. The greatest example of this is in the last five books or so within the story. He has to dress, act, and live like a beggar in order to regain everything he had lost. While he was a beggar, the suitors treated him horribly. Antinous, leader of the suitors, was the worst of them all. He was the first to mistreat Odysseus and planned to kill Telemachus. He was also the one that would abuse him physically and verbally for some time to come. Also, if that weren’t enough, he planned a boxing match for Odysseus to be in to watch him get beat up. All this was happening and the other suitors were most likely following their leader in whatever he was doing. Odysseus had to control himself the whole time this was happening. If he had lost his temper, the suitors would have killed him, his son, and most likely taken over the kingdom. That didn’t happen though. Odysseus learned self-control and humility. He may not be perfect at it, but going through all the humility made him a better man. Along the same topic, he was a king going through this humility. It would be one thing for a peasant to go through it, but a king? This made it even harder for Odysseus. He had rank above all the suitors and could rightly kick them out of his kingdom. Instead he waits for the right time and kills them all. The “pre-journey” Odysseus would of thought of himself invincible and probably would have died trying to get his kingdom back.
In this essay I will compare and contrast the qualities and plights of both Aeneas and Gilgamesh. These two epic heroes share similar fates, yet are very different in personality.
This is a big chain of events that shows courage and knowledge in the poem. When Odysseus first comes home he is disguised by, Athena to look like an old beggar. “‘Why are you bringing that detestable beggar to the palace? He will only disturb the feasting of the men there. And believe me, the Suitors will not stand for it.’” (64). When coming home, Odysseus knew that if he came in as himself he would scare the suitors off which would make it so he can’t punish them for the pain they’ve caused his wife. He was very smart to do this especially with what he had in mind. Penelope held a competition for the suitors to decide which one she would marry. The task was: The first man who could string Odysseus’ great bow and shoot an arrow through the rings in twelve axes placed in a row, would be Penelope’s new husband. “Without the slightest strain, Odysseus strung the bow and sent an arrow whizzing through the handle-rings of the twelve axes.” (69). This shows that, Odysseus has the strength and courage to be patient and prove them wrong and punish them for their crimes. This also makes his triumph clear that he survived a great ordeal. After Odysseus shoots the arrow through the axe handles he reveals himself to the suitors to fight them all. “Odysseus and his men stood over the heaped bodies of one hundred and eight slaughtered Suitors.” (70). After 20 years of traveling
Gilgamesh and Odysseus both journey in pursuit of what they desire most. For Gilgamesh it is immortality, and for Odysseus it is home. Gilgamesh the king of Uruk and Odysseus, king of Ithaca must face their ultimate struggles and come in contact with their fears and suffering. These men seek for pride and honor on their journeys. Along the way, their fate is being held in the hands of the Gods. Both Gilgamesh and Odysseus search for the meaning of life through knowledge and perseverance, trying to make it alive until the end.
The tales of the two epic heroes Odysseus and Gilgamesh are far different but do share similarities. Both epic heroes have personalities that help influence the outcome of their journey. Odysseus’ personality allows him safe travels home and Gilgamesh’s personality affords him a humble ending. The two heroes both carry great strengths. Odysseus’ mental strength allows him to outsmart his opponents and Gilgamesh’s physical strength allows him a faster voyage. Odyssey and Gilgamesh both set out on journeys. Odysseus seeks Ithaca and Gilgamesh seeks
You may think Jesus isn't an epic hero or you may ask how is he an epic hero, but his story is more of an epic than you would think. On the other hand, Gilgamesh has the story and the characteristics of a good old fashion epic hero, that was brave, a strong fighter, and didn't back down for nothing. But Jesus never fought his enemies he fought them with love, and he was one hundred percent god on earth but Gilgamesh was only ⅔ god. Gilgamesh and Jesus have a good amount of differences. And in this essay I will be explaining the differences and similarities between these two godly figures abilities, the purpose of their quest,and what makes them very different from all humans on earth.
Throughout time, people of all cultures have told stories of heroes and kings. The most ancient story we have on record is the tale of King Gilgamesh. This story is an account of the King's journeys and accomplishments. Although it was written over four thousand years ago, many comparisons can be made between the society in which the story was written and our own modern society. In this essay, differences and similarities between the two societies will be examined.
The Epic of Gilgamesh, the oldest surviving epic in history, reflected life as it was during the early Bronze Age. Many of the themes that the epic reveals are still valuable today in what it can teach us about how society was in the past. More importantly, Gilgamesh’s story teaches the reader how the lessons of his experience are significant to future generations. Such as, views on life and death and the search for knowledge and immortality. The search for immortality has plagued the minds of men and women for millenniums. However, Gilgamesh’s quest for immortality is the result of tragedy. After the death of a great friend, Enkidu, Gilgamesh fears for his own mortal life.