Too often society defines heroes as those who possess extraordinary super powers or those who act as martyrs. Society sees these people as heroes and underestimates the heroism that lies within traditional people with conventional lives. In Grendel, by John Gardner, Grendel's understanding of humanity's cruelty broadens the definition of heroism in modern and historical culture. Although Grendel plays the role of a monster in the story, he is more essential to the kingdom than any hero because he provides them with the reality that death is inescapable. Traditional heroism involves admirable traits, yet society overlooks the necessities those unconventional heroes provide through exemplifying integrity, resisting convention, and outstanding but understated achievement.
In Grendel, a brave warrior speaks of heroism and states, "Except in the life of a hero, the whole world's meaningless" (89). Yet in Grendel, the antagonist actually provides more quality to life than the protagonist does. Considering the circumstances of Grendel's life, Grendel shows integrity simply by having a splinter of hope in humanity and it's future. Distraught at the bloodshed and cruelty of society, Grendel loses sight of the goodness that humans are capable of and attacks the kingdom out of despair, rage, and unbelief. Providing them with the knowledge that one day their lives will end, Grendel gives quality and meaning to their lives, disproving Unferth's statement.
Unferth also says, "The hero sees values beyond what is possible. That's the nature of a hero. It kills him of course, ultimately" (89). Contrastingly, Kenneth Beck reveals through illness that the value of life is immeasurable. His battle with paralysis proves that life is not only meaningful, but that everything about life contains meaning and everything during life should be cherished. Kenneth's accident and wavering recovery conveyed the value of life through realizing it's ultimate mortality.
(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. ...
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. ... Gilgamesh in the story is known as the King of Uruk. ... Gilgamesh believed he was better than everybody else. ... Enkidu, who ended up being Gilgamesh's best friend, was very similar to Gilgamesh. ...
(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. ...
