Analysis of Gilgamesh Essay

The Epic of Gilgamesh

Epics have been a colossal figure in the historic rsum of literature, all the way up to the present day world, and in part, have shaped the way that society views literature as a whole. Epics are defined as narrative poems in an elevated style that celebrate heroic achievement and treats themes of historical, national, religious, or legendary significance. In some instances like heroic epics, people often identify inspirational or even motivational characteristics that show the determination of an individual to accomplish his ultimate goal, which in turn reveals the significance of his success. Heroic epics generally consisted of a lot of action, turmoil and death, which seems to always keep an audience interested. Gilgamesh; an epic detailed with numerous epic conventions consisting of, but not limited to: A heroic figure, a journey, supernatural beings, and action; signifies a character with great gifted power who attempts the harsh obstacles required in order to obtain his desired needs. These epic conventions will be examined in the order they were mentioned.

If the title hasnt already given it away, the epic Gilgamesh presents a story of a near flawless individual named Gilgamesh. This epic figure, who was two-thirds god and one-third human, is said to have ruled as the king of the city of Uruk in Babylonia in 2700 B.C. His physical appearance just oozed hero out of his muscular physique and his beard expressed signs of knowledge and toughness. He was a courageous man, not known for backing down to many things in his life. He feared few things in the world and embellished his powerful position to the point that he felt people should support his acts, and the decisions he makes. He started acting unjustly to the people of his city and, to me, seemed to become numb and unaware of the life and example he was setting for his people. His disapproved behavior was brought to the attention of his gods, and in an act to slow down his bad behavior and control him, an individual equal to Gilgameshs potential was created named Enkidu. The two actually engaged in a battle. But unlike in todays world, and to my surprise, they embraced each other and became friends after the heated act. At that time, it was clearly recognized that Gilgamesh had flashed a sign of maturity and a change in attitude. As the story goes on, the powerful Gilgamesh and his new sidekick venture off to seek the gift of immortality. To Gilgameshs surprise, he continues to change his outlook and feelings about his life without ever noticing until the end of the story. With that said, the uncovering of Gilgameshs change in attitude is greatly noticed in the next epic convention: The Journey.

Every great heroic epic, as mentioned before, is in most cases composed of action battles, turmoil, and to the audiences discretion, death. But as key as those components are, the one symbolic event that gives the heros image credibility is a long, grueling, and sometimes sacrificing journey to a destined location. Gilgamesh and Enkidu are scheduled to set off on a deep exploration for immortality, but before doing so, they encounter their first battle as newly friends. Gilgamesh is involved in a situation with Ishtar, the goddess of love, where she willingly throws herself to Gilgamesh asking for his hand in marriage, which he refuses without doubt. She had ruined other mens lives in her past and Gilgamesh wanted no part of her. Ishtar grew angry and demanded the Bull of Heaven from her father in order destroy Gilgamesh. Without any serious problems, Gilgamesh and Enkidu fend off the attack and continue on their way. Wanting to be known for his good deeds, realistically only so he would be remembered forever by his people as a great king, Gilgamesh fancied the idea to enter the cedar forest and take down the trees and battle Humbaba; the known monster that roams that area. They do in fact meet and challenge each other. With victory in reach and the sense of death nearing, Humbaba is hopeless, begging mercifully for his life. Gilgamesh shows no sympathy, and with a powerful swipe, decapitates the monster. As the two march on, tragedy strikes. Enkidu falls fatally ill, and Gilgamesh must finish the rugged journey alone, without his trusted friend. At the end of his journey he is told immortality will be granted if, and only if he lays awake for 7 days. As soon as he hits the ground, he falls into a deep sleep and is denied the request. As a pity option, he is offered a plant that grants youth and renewal, but unfortunately is stolen away by a snake. All hopes are dashed for Gilgamesh. Now at this moment it seems that the journey bared no satisfaction and the hero has just wasted his time. But actually, Gilgamesh accomplished more than he had envisioned. His lessons he learned about himself, about friendship, and the great walls surrounding the city he knew as home served just fine leading up to his death.

A third epic convention of this heroic epic is the use of supernatural beings. Other than the people in the city of Uruk, not including Ishtar, the main people discussed in the story are of higher power, some more than others. Ishtar, known as the goddess of love, falls in love with Gilgamesh. But when told that he wants nothing to do with her, she exercises her superior abilities and demands her powerful father, Anu, to send down the Bull of Heaven to eliminate Gilgamesh. Enkidu and Gilgamesh are locked in a battle with the demon monster that is known for guarding the forest of cedar trees named Humbaba. Gilgamesh slays and decapitates the monster with an axe known as might of heroes. Gilgamesh himself is known as an individual with two-thirds god and also containing one-third man. But at the end of the story, Gilgamesh is denied immortality, as well as the plant to resurrect youth and renewal for himself. He grows into an elderly man until his death, which is mourned and celebrated by the people of his village.

The final epic convention expressed in the Epic of Gilgamesh was action. When Gilgamesh went on his quest for immortality, he encountered multiple battles against demon enemies. He fought the Bull of Heaven that was sent down my Ishtars father upon her request. Together, Gilgamesh and Enkidu fought the creature and came out victorious. Also, the two friends fought Humbaba, who was the guardian demon of the forest of cedar trees. Like the previous battle, the two friends once again conquered the task of defeating a villain. The beheading of Humbaba assured the fact that Gilgamesh was not going to be stopped on his quest.

Overall, the epic of Gilgamesh illustrates the significant events expressed by an epic hero, and his determination and drive to achieve a goal. Whether he was in battle or on a quest towards a distant land, Gilgamesh expresses the characteristics of a true epic hero. Epics like Gilgamesh have greatly shaped the way people view literature today. Its significance in historic literature will continue to grow as years continue.