Essay on Gilgamesh and Odysseus - 996 Words

Gilgamesh and Odysseus were two heroes from two totally different time periods that were both in search of the meaning of life. The epics that the two characters are featured in Gilgamesh, was developed from early Mesopotamia and the Odyssey in early Greece. Gilgamesh was a very popular and it was very valuable to the historian of Mesopotamian culture because it reveals much about the religious world, such as their attitudes toward the gods, how a hero was defined and regarded, views about death and friendship. The Odyssey was also very popular in its time. It was set in ancient Greece where in its culture; mythology was the heart of everyday life. The Greek Culture turned to mythology to explain different phenomena for which they had†¦show more content†¦While Gilgamesh was a hero thought to be more beautiful, more courageous, more terrifying than all of the people of Uruk. Even though his desires, attributes, and accomplishments were just as theres, he was still mortal. He had to experience the deaths of others and ultimately die himself. Odysseuss character was also very self confident and was most known for his cleverness and cunning, and for his eloquence as a speaker. Odysseus was said to be the hero of a thousand disguises He is the forever loyal husband, who eyes are fixed on the goal of, returning home. Although he faces great trials, tribulations, and temptations, nothing stands in the way of his ultimate imperative. He was also an eternal wander, fired with the passion of knowledge and experience. Even when he returns home from his journey, he must set out again and continue wandering until death. His great sprit is shown throughout the entire epic. He was much respected from the beginning of this epic until the very end and this is what sets him apart from Gilgamesh. Odysseus was at time an anti-hero, just like Gilgamesh was in the beginning of his epic. He was also mean, very selfish time-server who employs disguise and deceit often to gain the most disreputable ends. Many classical Greeks and Romans frequently saw him in this light. Both of the heroes represent godlike mental, physical, and spiritual power to the task of overcomingShow MoreRelatedThe Epic Of Gilgamesh And Odysseus1497 Words   |  6 PagesSTATEMENT In Greek literature, the character Gilgamesh from The Epic of Gilgamesh and Odysseus from The Odyssey by Homer can be compared by their similar journeys and differing heroic qualities. PURPOSE STATEMENT Through careful research and reasoning, Odysseus and Gilgamesh can be seen as both similar and differing characters because of their choices and changes throughout their journeys. INTRODUCTION Gilgamesh, the famous hero of The Epic of Gilgamesh and Odysseus from The Odyssey are found to be similarRead MoreGilgamesh And Odysseus Similarities882 Words   |  4 PagesGilgamesh was one of the most important characters in â€Å"The Epic of Gilgamesh.† Gilgamesh is considered to be one of the most essential stories because one of the tales mentioned is from the bible, Noah and the flood. Gilgamesh was the king of Uruk, he lived to be 2700 B.C. Gilgamesh was considered to be very conceited in the eyes of the Gods, the Gods then sent the famous Enkidu to degrade him. Gilgamesh was developed in early Mesopotamia. The main theme of the tale was to show the king’s desireRead MoreOdysseus Vs. 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They are superhuman, but they are not supernatural, although they come in contact with the supernaturalRead MoreAnalysis Of Odyss eus And Epic Of Gilgamesh 1567 Words   |  7 PagesPaquette Hero or Zero Sept. 16, 2014 Odysseus and Gilgamesh When you think of someone who is a hero, what traits come to mind? A hero can often be described as someone who portrays heroic qualities such as strength, endurance, unselfishness and obedience. Both Odysseus in the Homers â€Å"Odyssey† and Gilgamesh in the â€Å"Epic of Gilgamesh† have the characteristics of strength and endurance, but Gilgamesh does not seem to act like a hero and I will tell you why. Odysseus, who is the son of Laertes, is describedRead MoreA Good Leader: Odysseus and Gilgamesh1410 Words   |  6 PagesIn the Odyssey, Odysseus would be a Wanax because he owned an independent walled kingdom or palace. Both Odysseus and Gilgamesh were looked up to as leaders. When asked if they were successful leaders, I was a bit stuck. After some thought, though, I came to the conclusion that I believe both Odysseus and Gilgamesh were successful leaders. They were not always successful leaders, but their adventures and experiences molded them into reliable men. Our first glance of Odysseus is when TelemakhosRead More Gilgamesh and Odysseus: Perfect Heros Essay1515 Words   |  7 PagesGilgamesh and Odysseus: Perfect Heros Gilgamesh and Odysseus are similar not only in their physical appearances but also in the way the two of them deal with lifes dilemmas. Although Gilgamesh and Odysseus possess great strength and sharp minds, their own flaws blind them similarly, which does not aid in their quest for what they desire. As part of their heroic character, the gods must guide them in order to reach their goals. In every epic from antiquity, the greatest challenge a hero mustRead MoreThe Everlasting Glory Of Gilgamesh, Achilles And Odysseus971 Words   |  4 Pagesintentionally throw themselves in the face of death to gain their glory and fame. Although death is a concern for Gilgamesh, Achilles and Odysseus, the three do not respond in exactly the same way. The everlasting glory of Gilgamesh, Achilles and Odysseus come from how they deal with mortality. Heroes accept the fact that without the risk of the death, there tends to be no glory. Gilgamesh accepts this fact, unbeknownst to him, only theoretically. Initially, he even mocks Enkidu for his suggestionsRead MoreOdysseus Or Gilgamesh - Will The Real Epic Hero Please Stand Up?1640 Words   |  7 PagesOdysseus or Gilgamesh - Will the real Epic Hero please stand up? â€Å"Gilgamesh went to the entrance into the mountain and entered the darkness alone, without a companion. By the time he reached the end of the first league the darkness was total, nothing behind or before. He made his way, companionless, to the end† (Book 9 p. 51, The Epic of Gilgamesh). In The Epic of Gilgamesh, an epic poem translated by N.K. Sanders, Gilgamesh is a character who is by all accounts an epic hero. As a person of nobilityRead MoreEssay on Relationship Between Gods and Humanity705 Words   |  3 Pagesin The Epic of Gilgamesh and The Odyssey are the same. In each saga, the gods seem to live nearby and are always present. Both epic poems portray humans as simply at the mercy of the gods. The gods feel that it is their duty to intervene if they feel that man is traveling off course from his destiny. However, the gods are not all powerful. Each god has a certain domain and cannot control another gods domain. All the gods including Zeus, the father of the gods, want Odysseus to be able to