Gilgamesh Heros Journey Analysis - 1052 Words

In The Epic of Gilgamesh we see an epic hero, Gilgamesh, rule over the town of Urik. He is a harsh ruler who makes his power known to his people. Shortly after this, he meets his equal in strength, Enkidu, who is a man from nature. Together these two conquer many lands until the gods decide that they are two powerful together, and they kill Enkidu. This loss to Gilgamesh forces him to go out wandering the land looking for answers to immorality. Everything that Gilgamesh does follows the character trail of an epic hero. The hero’s journey gives us a close representation to the archetype of Gilgamesh’s journey. However, in order to complete the hero’s journey to fit Gilgamesh’s, it needs to include a challenge of power and another†¦show more content†¦This is the beginning of a second expedition in the story. In the hero’s journey, it goes from the ultimate boon, which is Enkidu’s death, to refusal of return. This leaves out t he key factor that sparks the last journey of the story which is the call to adventure. Furthermore, the call to adventure needs to be placed after the ultimate boon because that event is the reason why Gilgamesh receives another call to adventure. Moreover, we see how these two key events that occur in The Epic of Gilgamesh must be added to the hero’s journey in order for it to completely fit Gilgamesh’s journey. Another way that the hero’s journey can be modified to better match Gilgamesh’s journey is by deleting two ideas that are less relevant. First, the temptation should be removed from the journey. The temptation is less revalent because the previous idea mentioned in the journey, meeting with the goddess, includes a temptation. â€Å"‘Come, Gilgamesh, be you my bridegroom!’† (Tablet VI, 7). Here we see Ishtar attempting to persuade Gilgamesh to make love with her. This event is put in the meeting with the goddess because Ishtar is a god, and she happens to be tempting Gilgamesh into something that could change the outcome of the story. Moreover, the meeting with the goddess make the temptation part of the hero’s journey useless; thus it should be removed. Not only should the temptation be removed, but the transcendence shouldShow MoreRelatedTheme Of Mortality In The Epic Of Gilgamesh1220 Words   |  5 PagesThe Epic of Gilgamesh: A Hero’s Journey Several themes are addressed throughout the Epic of Gilgamesh, but the most prominent lies within the confrontation and acceptance of mortality. Gilgamesh—king of Uruk, ambitious builder, and bravest of mercenaries—seems to be blessed by a combination of two-thirds godliness and one-third manliness, yet plagued by his very own immoderation and naivety. 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