An epic is defined as a long serious poem that tells the story of a hero or heroes. To be considered an epic a story must be consistently relevant to a human society but also carry immortal themes and messages. Some examples of epics are the Iliad, the Odyssey, and Gilgamesh. One of the most famous epics of all is probably the Epic of Gilgamesh. Not only is it very well known but it is also thought to be one of the first stories that were written down. With all the numerous and variety of events that happened in Gilgamesh, there are several lessons that can be learned from this age old epic. It shows one thing that has not changed from the beginning of time is that the fundamental laws of society never change, people are what they are and the nature of people will remain consistent till the end of time.
The history of the epic is quite remarkable. Although it is thought to be one of the first stories carved in stone this is not the birth place of this wonderful epic. The legend itself was told verbally and passed on for many years. Scholars have dated the written version of the epic to at least as early as 2000 B.C. The tale is from the Sumerian culture and found on various sets of tablets in Mesopotamia. Each tablet has a slightly different story; some even have different events that took place. It is believed by most historians that because of the many different findings of the epic and the different variations of the story that is was not collected all in one piece or at one time. It has kind of evolved and grown by the many story tellers over the years. .
Gilgamesh in the story is known as the King of Uruk. He was the son of the goddess Ninsun and a Uruk priest. So he is considered to be two-thirds god and one-third man. He was a very cocky and arrogant king who loved having control and showing how powerful he really was. He looked down on everyone in his kingdom. The people of Uruk viewed him as a tyrant, who was not fair to his people and would work them too hard for no reason at all.
(Gilgamesh 3) Immediately we are introduced to an all knowing and heroic figure; Gilgamesh. ... (Gilgamesh 4). ... (Gilgamesh 57) In a sense, Gilgamesh is being renewed. ... Yet Gilgamesh still cannot rest. ... (Gilgamesh 59). ...
Gilgamesh Gilgamesh, a giant among men, someone who had no equal, one who you would think was, without question, a hero. ... Most people would have been content where Gilgamesh was, but Gilgamesh wanted more, and that made him a man. ... Gilgamesh begins his maturing process when he meets Enkido. Enkido, sent by the gods to balance Gilgamesh, sets Gilgamesh down a couple of notches by wrestling with him. ... He 2 gives Gilgamesh a chance to get mortality but Gilgamesh fails. ...
In The Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh explores the possibility of immortality following the saddening death of his friend and brother, Enkidu. ... Seeking to avoid death, Gilgamesh strives to learn the secret of everlasting life Being two-thirds god is not enough for Gilgamesh. ... Gilgamesh is not only a hero in The Epic of Gilgamesh, he is a representation of society as a whole. ... Once again, Gilgamesh displays his changed character. ... Gilgamesh and Enkidu will be kept in an immortal state for however long The Epic of Gilgamesh is told....
In The Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh explores the possibility of immortality following the saddening death of his friend and brother, Enkidu. ... Seeking to avoid death, Gilgamesh strives to learn the secret of everlasting life Being two-thirds god is not enough for Gilgamesh. ... Gilgamesh is not only a hero in The Epic of Gilgamesh, he is a representation of society as a whole. ... Once again, Gilgamesh displays his changed character. ... Gilgamesh and Enkidu will be kept in an immortal state for however long The Epic of Gilgamesh is told. ...
(Gilgamesh tablet 1, 34) Gilgamesh is radiant and bold, and "supreme over other kings." (Gilgamesh tablet 1, 28) Before Enkidu appears Gilgamesh rules over his city the way that he pleases. ... (Gilgamesh tablet 5, 97-98) Enkidu gives Gilgamesh the courage to over power Humbaba. ... Enkidu addressed Gilgamesh saying "My friend, we can be bold how shall we respond- (Gilgamesh tablet 6, 129-131) This shows the strong connection between Gilgamesh and Enkidu. ... (Gilgamesh tablet 10, 300-01) This changes Gilgamesh's perspective of life. ...
Gilgamesh is an exception as he does not conform to the traits mentioned above. ... Gilgamesh was born powerful and possessed obvious physical strength. ... All of this changed when Gilgamesh with his companion Enkidu. ... Gilgamesh showed off his bravery, loyalty, and respect after meeting Enkidu. ... Gilgamesh began to fear death and was left with overwhelming grief. ...
Gilgamesh: The True Evil of Power This story of Gilgamesh is a perfect example of how power when given to someone, can overtake and corrupt an individual. ... Gilgamesh was taken over by evil through the power he was given. ... Though it did not go exactly as plan as Gilgamesh ultimately won. ... Then immediately his fury died (Gilgamesh,pg16-17)." ... Gilgamesh has finally seen someone who can at least challenge him. ...
Wild in nature, Enkidu must be civilized and sent to Gilgamesh. ... Enkidu and Gilgamesh battled, but it seems neither could win. ... Again, Gilgamesh fails and returns to the city of Uruk. ... In the story, Gilgamesh is portrayed as semi-divine. ... In the beginning of the story, Gilgamesh is a bad king. ...
And also like the majority in this country, I had never heard of the story of Gilgamesh. ... Finding out who wrote the epic of Gilgamesh was even more difficult. ... This gives credence to the idea that Genesis could have been based on the stories in Gilgamesh. ... The Gilgamesh flood lasted only 3 weeks, whereas the Genesis flood lasted over a year10. ... In Gilgamesh the gods Ea and Mami created 14 human beings to help repopulate the Earth. ...