English 10, pd. 8
9/13/17
Harry Potter vs. Gilglamesh
Everyone has heard of Harry Potter, right? My guess is that most people would answer yes to that question. Now, if Harry Potter was replaced with the name Gilgamesh, how many people do you think would answer yes, excluding english and literary experts, of course. Harry Potter is a household name, while Gilgamesh is less popular, but, in fact, they are a lot like each other. Harry Potter and Gilgamesh are similar characters in numerous way, like their struggles and common goals, but they also vary in many ways. Harry Potter and Gilgamesh have a lot of similarities. The first one that comes to mind is that they have a common goal. Their goal is seeking out a certain
person. While one might make the argument that Gilgamesh’s goal was actually eternal life, the main link connecting him to that was a character named Utnapishtim. Harry Potter needed to find Voldemort, and Gilgamesh needed to find Utnapishtim. The second similarity that they have is that they both have a lot of obstacles in their paths. Harry Potter had to face monsters time and time again to stay on the right path to reaching his goal. For example, in the first movie, The Sorcerer's Stone, Harry must defeat a three headed dog in attempt to find the sorcerer’s stone to return the the headmaster of Hogwarts. Gilgamesh had to face the Humbaba to save his own life, and he had to conquer the long and tasking journey to find Utnapishtim. They both may have had to overcome many obstacles in their path, but they did not have to do it alone. Both Harry Potter and Gilgamesh had a friend or two by their sides. Harry had Ron and Hermione. Gilgamesh had Enkidu, who we know dies but was there to help him overcome the Humbaba. While both Harry and Gilgamesh have a large reputation for themselves in the lands that they live in, they both had to balance the weight of that on their shoulders in everything that they did. Harry Potter and Gilgamesh used all of their similarities as a strength, and not a weakness, which makes them both widely successful.
Along with all of the similarities that Harry Potter and Gilgamesh had, they also have some differences. For starters, their ages are different. Harry Potter is a teenager, while Gilgamesh is an adult. Taking this into account, the stress and pressure would be harder on a teenager than it would an adult. Also, defeating numerous monsters, people, and creatures at a younger age could be considered a larger feat than if they were older. The largest difference between the two characters is their success in the end. Harry Potter ultimately defeats Voldemort. Gilgamesh, while he does find the person he was looking for, does not get granted with the gift of eternal life. Along with their ending success, another difference is their motivations. Harry Potter’s motivation was avenging his parents, since Voldemort took their lives while Harry was a baby. Gilgamesh’s motivation was much more of a selfish aspect, since immortality was only for his sake. Although these two characters have some similarities, their differences are very prevalent as well.
Harry Potter and Gilgamesh are two completely different characters, from two completely different stories, but they still share and avoid some aspects of each other. Harry Potter’s upbringing and past defines his character, while Gilgamesh’s personality and confidence creates him. Characters like these deserve the credit they get. They truly are heroes.