Gilgamesh Paper

In the beginning of the story, Gilgamesh says, “I will proclaim to the world the deeds of Gilgamesh. This was the man to whom all things were known; this was the king who knew the countries of the world” (15). Gilgamesh and Enkidu are both men created by the gods, but Gilgamesh is the hero. A hero is defined as a man of distinguished courage or ability, survives a battle, and returns home with a gift for those left behind, and is noble. Because Gilgamesh is courageous, noble, and survives, he is the main hero over Enkindu.
      Gilgamesh’s courage makes him the hero because he decides to tackle certain feats, which Enkindu did not want to take on, or was not around to do. Courage is defined as the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, and pain. Enkidu says, “I will go back to the city. I will tell the lady your mother all your glorious deeds till she shouts for joy: and then I will tell the death that followed till she weeps for bitterness” (17). This shows that Enkidu is not as courageous because he was going to go back to the city without killing Humbaba, Where as a hero would stay and fight. Also, Gilgamesh strikes the first blow on Humbaba, which shows he was not afraid to take on the beast. Gilgamesh is the hero because he spat in the face of the gods, and humiliated them. The narration says, “In revenge Ischar brings the mighty Bull of Heaven down to threaten Uruk. Gilgamesh and Enkidu kill the bull…” (19). This shows courage because to defy the gods was like signing a death warrant. Gilgameshes superior courage is proven through all of these facts, and by Enkidu’s death.
      A nobleman is someone at the head of a country or a government. Gilgamesh proves he is at the head by showing his authority, and the people listened to him. The narrator says, “ In Uruk he built walls, a great rampart, and the temple of blessed Eanna… the outer wall where the cornice runs, it shines with the brilliance of copper; and the inner...