The Everlasting Glory Of Gilgamesh, Achilles And Odysseus

Heroes are great because they often have exaggerated traits. These traits are often manifested in the text when when they intentionally throw themselves in the face of death to gain their glory and fame. Although death is a concern for Gilgamesh, Achilles and Odysseus, the three do not respond in exactly the same way. The everlasting glory of Gilgamesh, Achilles and Odysseus come from how they deal with mortality. Heroes accept the fact that without the risk of the death, there tends to be no glory. Gilgamesh accepts this fact, unbeknownst to him, only theoretically. Initially, he even mocks Enkidu for his suggestions that they should consider how dangerous Humbaba is before heading taking on the mission of killing such a powerful monster. Gilgamesh, to counter Enkidu, suggests that living without glory would be worst than death and it would be shameful for them to pass on an opportunity for glory just because it would be dangerous ( ). Although Gilgamesh makes this assertion confidently during the passage, he does not believe this in reality as evident in the later in the narrative when he has a crisis over his mortality when Enkidu dies. So far, Gilgamesh had yet to face a foe that he had not been able to conquer but he realizes that he cannot bring back his friend from death, not through anger nor rage. It is worth noting than Enkidu is a match of Gilgamesh in strength so if Enkidu can su ccumb to death so can he. He truly realizes his own mortality because of this butShow MoreRelatedA True Hero in the Epic of Gigamesh Essay1689 Words   |  7 PagesWhat makes a hero? A hero can be born into greatness and lead an ordinary life. A hero can achieve and glory greatness and carry a noble death to their name. What turns an individual into the characteristic of a â€Å"hero† will depend on the journey they set upon. From ancient Greek culture, the concept of a hero was built from idolizing a religious figure, a deceased person who received cult honors and was expected to return home bearing prosperity in forms of plants or animals, back to their peopleRead MoreSearch for Immortality Depicted in The Epic of Gilgamesh and The Odyssey852 Words   |  4 Pagesobjective of their travels and adventures. This is no different in The Epic of Gilgamesh and The Odyssey. The heroes in both are tempted by the offer of immortality, however each of them turns it down for their o wn reasons. In The Odyssey, Odysseus rejects the offer of immortality from the goddess Calypso long after he discovers the true nature of the afterlife after travelling to Hades. In Hades he meets Achilles who tells him â€Å"I’d rather slave on earth for another man. than rule down here overRead MoreThe Epic Of Gilgamesh And Achilles1775 Words   |  8 Pageshistory and cultural tradition of the gods and heroes of Greece. Achilles and Gilgamesh are considered mythological heroes; they are both hero’s that faces many problems through their journey and have fought many battles. These two legends have remained precious to the people now because their hero’s journey is unforgettable. They are both brave, and they have overcome many challenges to protect their family and city. Both Gilgamesh and Achilles share some similarities, such as they are both sons of a goddessRead More Gilgamesh, Achilles and the Human Condition Essay3880 Words   |  16 PagesGilgamesh, Achilles and the Human Condition Gilgamesh and Achilles, each heroes of their respective epic tales, embody the whole array of typical heroic attributes. They stand above. They are men set apart. They operate somehow in that area that lies between average mortals and the gods themselves. They are stronger, faster, more wily than those they face in battle. They overcome. They are men who stand alone in their various strengths. They are also susceptible to weakness. Each of them