Comparing Beowulf And The Epic Of Gilgamesh

Though there are many similarities and differences between the epic stories of Beowulf and The Epic of Gilgamesh, there is a generalized statement that can encompass what this essay is trying to achieve in just one sentence. Two brave, epic heroes both partake on a journey seeking glory, but want different outcomes. Beowulf is venturing for fame and the unending respect and love he would receive from those he saves while Gilgamesh aims for a more prized turnout; immortality. Not only do the characters want different outcomes, but they partake on their journey in completely different fashions. Beowulf is willing to take on any challenge or battle by himself without fear while Gilgamesh utilizes a companion at all times and is fearful of death;

hence his immense longing for immortality. Although the protagonists of two very different stories would be seemingly incomparable, Beowulf and Gilgamesh can be compared and contrasted effectively.

One word that would perfectly describe both characters’ journey would be epic.

Throughout both stories the protagonists are doing heroic deeds and winning legendary battles, certainly setting them apart from the average person and therefore making them epic. Both Beowulf and Gilgamesh are epic, but in their own ways. Beowulf utilizes a unique fighting strategy of using his bare hands to take down a series of enemies with monster-like characteristics to save the people of the Gales. He seeks glory and uses his bravery and strength to achieve it through his eventual death. Gilgamesh is classified as epic through a different method of characterization. First of all, Gilgamesh’s journey took place in a completely different setting in Mesopotamia. Secondly, Gilgamesh isn’t respected like Beowulf and isn’t as strong as he uses weapons instead of his bare hands. Lastly, there is one final difference between Beowulf and Gilgamesh in terms of being epic. This is the fact that Beowulf dies and Gilgamesh doesn’t die during his story. Although he never reaches immortality, Gilgamesh can be deemed more epic because of his ability to stay alive, whether it was due to his own doing or

not.

There is no disputing that Gilgamesh and Beowulf are both epic heroes, but they differ greatly in their beliefs. They are similar in the beliefs that there is no afterlife. While this holds Gilgamesh back, Beowulf embraces it and wants to make his life as memorable as possible. They are different in the aspect that Beowulf believed it was righteous to help others and Gilgamesh seemed to only care for himself. Beowulf also believe God had a part in his survival and possibly even caused him to stay alive. Gilgamesh, on the other hand, believed his life was completely in his own hands and his fate was up to him. Nobody was helping him stay alive and this led to more fear. Overall, Beowulf is represented as a Godly character with good morals and a strong will. Gilgamesh is represented as a selfish character with bad morals and is ultimately searching for the wrong thing.

What would an epic hero be without his or her epic flaws?

Throughout history, pieces of literature featuring epic heroes always include a major flaw in the seemingly perfect character. Whether this is to keep the story interesting or add a touch of realism to the piece, every epic character has an important flaw. In comparing and contrasting the flaws of Beowulf and Gilgamesh, we notice both startling similarities and differences. In being similar, Beowulf and Gilgamesh have both been caught bragging or boasting to their followers. To some, this is not so much a flaw as much as it is a characteristic but boasting is seen by many as negative. Both characters can also come off as cocky or arrogant because they are aware of their achievements, giving them confidence which leads to arrogance. Although similar, Gilgamesh seems to have more character flaws as he exercises his power much more, he is more selfish, and more conceited than Beowulf to a noticeable

extent.
It may seem like Beowulf and Gilgamesh cannot be compared in any way but it is actually quite possible to compare and contrast these two characters effectively. It is obvious that both characters are epic heroes who go on their own journeys to seek glory. However, it is not obvious what the goal is of each character. Through a set of different beliefs and character flaws, it is determined that Beowulf seeks glory and fame while Gilgamesh seeks eternal life through immortality. All in all, the protagonists of the stories of Beowulf and The Epic of Gilgamesh can be effectively compared and contrasted.