Essay Comparing Beowulf And Gilgamesh

In modern day society, we often allude toward law enforcement, or people who show any form of protectiveness or comfort, as heroes. Sometimes a hero is even someone who we encounter every day - someone who makes us feel safe and secure. Not all of these heroes are remembered or even appreciated. However, this does not lessen their value as a heroic figure. Originating from the Anglo-Saxon epic poems, an epic hero is the main character of an epic who reflects the ideals of a particular society. Epic heroes look to achieve immortality through their brave and courageous actions. Two main heroes, Beowulf and Gilgamesh, from the extremely popular epics, “Beowulf” and “Gilgamesh”, share a vast amount of similarities, as well as differences, throughout

each tale that depict their unique position as a genuine epic hero.
During his adolescence, Beowulf is a powerful fighter who has time and self-motivation on his side.

Using these two stepping stones, he prepares himself to become known as the perfect epic hero. His great strength and immense amount of courage are what guide him to and through even his toughest battles. Called to save an extensive amount of impotent people by Hrothgar, an aging king who cannot battle, he accepts and soon defeats a carnivorous beast. After his victory, the people were “retelling Beowulf’s bravery, (147)” and “they swore that nowhere… was there a warrior worthier to rule over men (151).” Beowulf continues his quest by fighting the beast’s mother and a dragon that acts as a thief. Each battle enhances Beowulf’s heroism and he builds himself up to have a pristine reputation with the people. Along with Beowulf is another epic hero with the name Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh is cruel and selfish at the beginning of his epic. He is not what anyone would imagine an epic hero. Gilgamesh is two-thirds god and one-third man. He shares the same quality of self-confidence with Beowulf, but at a larger quantity. Gilgamesh uses this value to compare himself to others, and believes he is superior. Unlike Beowulf, in his quest to defeat the monster, Gilgamesh wants to “prove” that he is superior and that “the boundaries set by the Gods are not unbreakable (26).” Beowulf uses this value to fuel himself to become more elite for the sake of his people. Although Gilgamesh is harsh at

the start, he changes and is extremely supportive of Enkidu - his foil.
It is clear to see that Beowulf is motivated by his own self.

He wants to prove to the people that he is worthy of immortality. After each battle, he is hungry for more action. Arriving in his youth, Beowulf is out to make a name for himself; a good name means his quest for immortality is highly possible. Beowulf’s first battle against Grendel illustrates the kind of hero Beowulf is. He fights without armour or weapons because he notices his opponent is fighting with bare claws. While laying back, he watches one warrior get mauled by the ferocious beast. Beowulf uses this time to think of a plan before ripping the arm off of the enemy. One major difference between Beowulf and Gilgamesh is the fact that Beowulf thinks before he acts. Beowulf uses tactical thinking and his powerfulness to achieve victory. Gilgamesh shares Beowulf’s strength, though, he does not think through his actions. Although a victorious fighter, he fights with someone by his side whereas Beowulf fights solo, declining any form of

assistance.
Gilgamesh has a sturdy structure which serves as a positive advantage during any battle. However, with great strength comes minor notions. As an epic hero, it is no surprise that Gilgamesh acquires a foil. Though his strength has brought him to where he is as a respected warrior, his lack of ability to think about his actions is a possible factor of being derailed. Enkidu, his foil, not only assists Gilgamesh with making decisions but also elucidates the utmost flaw in the epic hero. Enkidu acts as the intellectual piece that is missing from the mind of Gilgamesh. Seeing that Enkidu complements the epic hero, Gilgamesh executes a 180° turn and starts to support Enkidu as a sidekick. This reveals a more heroic attitude than what we adapt to at the beginning.
Whilst both characters have their strong suits, they are both at least one part man. Man
is inevitably going to undergo flaws in their characteristics. Gilgamesh distinctly has the absence of common sense, while Beowulf’s flaws are more complex. While to the public eye he is a true hero, are his intentions that of a true epic hero? As man he strongly desires something that is more than immortality. Readers may interpret throughout the epic that his quest is for pure personal fulfillment. Beowulf has battled and defeated even the undefeatable, but what was his motive? Regardless of the reader’s standpoint, Beowulf and Gilgamesh are literature’s illustration of true epic heroes. The two epic heroes show beyond doubt that whether companionless or with a partner, success is achievable through tough grind and ambition.