Some people have an innate passion and thirst for prominence and power; that will not satisfy and can not be satisfied. Scientist Francis Bacon stated, "It is a strange desire to seek power, and to lose liberty; or to seek power over others, and to lose power over a man's self " (Evans 544). In the poems of, Gilgamesh, Beowulf, Oedipus, from The Norton Anthology of World Literature and "Song of the Power," by David Mason. In all of poems, there is one common tapestry an impulsive drive for power and greatness. .
In the story of Gilgamesh, the King of Uruk, he had insatiable drive to be remembered and the desire for immortality. His passion took him on a dark and distant adventure to the land of paradise garden. He once said to his friend Enkidu, " I have not established my name stamped on bricks as my destiny decreed; therefore I will go to the country where the cedar is filled. I will set up my name in the place where the names of famous men are written" (p.17). .
Similarly, in the narrative of Beowulf, the King of Thanes, was a man with a humble beginning. While in his youth, he was viewed as a weakling and as a man who lacked strength (p1680-2180-85). Although, his peers poorly regarded him, he developed a longing for power and greatness. As a young warrior he once slew three monsters, and saved a city from destruction. Also, in the final days of Beowulf's life, he proclaimed a formal statement, I risked my life often when I was young. Now am old, but as King of the people, I shall pursue this fight for the glory of winning (p1688-2510). Indeed he received in life, the exact things he sought, fame, power, glory, and a lasting memorial. .
In the same way, Oedipus was King of Thebes. He was a man of power and greatness. When he was born his parents gave him into the hands of a palace slave. They told him to take the child to the mountains and leave there him to die. But, the servant had compassion on the young child and gave him over to the King and Queen of Corinth.