Epic heroes are those who embody the ideals of the culture that produced him. Gilgamesh and Hector are two prime examples of epic heroes. Their situations are very different, but they also have many similarities. Both of these epics were tragedies; the first similarity.
Compared to Gilgamesh, Hector seems to be more of the stereotypical hero. He left his wife and infant son to fight out of pride and honor. He wanted to live up to his people's expectations. His father was also a famous warrior in their culture. While Hector is in battle, he is faced with Achilles who is bitter over his friends" death. .
However, Gilgamesh was in battle and lost his good friend Enkidu. Gilgamesh was filled with grief, and went on a quest in search of a way to bring his friend back. He also feared for his own life, and looked to Utnapishtim for the secret to eternal life. He completely abandoned his people in his selfishness.
In contrast, Gilgamesh and Hector were both labeled epic heroes; but in all actuality they did everything but act heroic. Gilgamesh was filled with grief due to Enkidu's death, but he abandoned his own people just to fulfill himself. His quest was based on selfishness and greed. Conversely, Hector left his family to fight .
Achilles. Andromache told Hector that Achilles had killed her father, brother, and he took her mother as a slave. Hector was selfish and was filled with too much pride to stay at home, and not fight. Gilgamesh and Hector are both selfish "heroes".
Consequently, Gilgamesh never found the secret to eternal life. Hector never returned home to his wife and child, as he was killed by Achilles. Although these were two completely different stories, they had many things in common. Epic heroes are not heroes at all; they"re selfish men. .
