Character Analysis: The Epic Of Gilgamesh

In approximately 2000 B.C., the Epic of Gilgamesh was written by the Sumerians. Not only was this story the first ever to be written down, it would also set way for many more heroic tales to come. Since 2000 B.C., every century has had its own heroic tale. In addition to Gilgamesh, other heroes who emerged from these stories include Beowulf and Achilles. Although all three heroes were created in different time periods, they all embody classic, heroic traits. Some of the traits that these three characters are portrayed to have consist of; bravery, strength, courage.
In order to be portrayed as a hero of any kind, there are certain qualities that need to be present. Such qualities consist of; a strong set of morals, courage, loyalty, and physical as well as spiritual strength. Although all three of the men listed above did embody each one of these traits in one way or another, they also had many differences. The first hero, Gilgamesh, was not the fairy tale version of what a hero should be. However, Gilgamesh the Hero was
Gilgamesh traveled long and searched feverishly for the key to immortality. However, in his haste to find his salvation, he almost missed out on living. Along his journey, Gilgamesh met Utapishtim, an immortal, who knew the true meaning of life. Gilgamesh listened to the man’s advice and went back to his kingdom a better man. At the beginning of this story, the only hero like traits that Gilgamesh possessed pertained to his physique and war skills. Throughout his story, Gilgamesh evolved and learned a few things about ethics. He took the words of a stranger, saw the wisdom, and lived his life accordingly. Gilgamesh may not have been the best hero prior to his journey, but by the end of it he was a better man. Heroes are not always born heroic; sometimes they have to learn how to evolve into