Hercules Vs Gilgamesh Research Paper

The Everlasting Pattern in Mythologies: Hercules versus Gilgamesh

Ancient quests have been told in many generations for over centuries. Each adventure brings strenuous challenges that the character faces in order to achieve their objective. These certain quests have been characterized as archetypes. Joseph Campbell, a literary philosopher, managed to study different types of archetypes ; Campbell revealed myths tend to have the same patterns or stages that are constantly repeated. Any type of archetypal myth has three stages that the character undergoes: birth/separation/departure, initiation, and the return (A Practical Guide to The Hero with a Thousand Faces). Birth/separation/departure consists of five elements that the character undergoes

The final stages consists of understanding, resurrection and a lesson. With Hercules, as he is dieing from saving Meg, he transforms into a god because of his sacrifice. He is reborn, and his strength is significant than ever. This serves as his resurrection. As he saves Meg and defeats Hades, Hercules is now immortal and has the ability to live in Mount Olympus. But, he gives up his immortality and decides to live in the ordinary world with Meg. He learns that it takes a lot to be a true hero. For his heroic actions, Hercules image was created in the stars. Yet, Gilgamesh’s understanding is that death is a necessity, and another part of life. His resurrection was losing the plant ; he knew that he wouldn’t become immoral. He decided that he needed to become a better king. From his quest, he learns that immortality is not possible and people should live life everyday. For both Hercules and Gilgamesh, they learn to become better people and face their inner demons. They traveled across lands that no human ever crossed before. From these experiences, they bring stories and knowledge to the people of their world. From their heroic actions, they are not outsiders of their ordinary