Gilgamesh As A True Hero In Homer's Epic Story
In a lot of ways, Gilgamesh is portrayed as a hero in his epic story. Some consider him a “hero” due to his superior stature, confidence, and physical capabilities. Some do because of his courage and bravery. Although a hero contains many these characteristics, and fitting the role of a hero has many meanings, Gilgamesh simply does not share the character traits of a “true hero” and does not represent what it means to be one. This can be apparent as he commands his kingdom, Uruk, in a very controlling and dominating fashion.
Throughout the introduction of his character, Gilgamesh continually demonstrates how a so called “hero” should not carry himself, especially when in a position of authoritative power. When governing the kingdom of Uruk,
his demeanor is very tyrant like, especially when ruling his people. The people plead, “In the enclosure of Uruk he strode back and forth, Lording it like a wild bull, his head thrust high…Gilgamesh would leave no son to his father, Day and night he would rampage fiercely… this was the people’s shepherd” (39). These are the grievances his people are making when they pray to the deity, Anu. “Lording it like a wild bull” suggests that Gilgamesh takes a stance of power and force against his people due to his obsessive tendencies of battle glory and sexual conquest (39). He does not show any signs of restraint or patience when it comes to expressing authority. In most cases, those traits are crucial to what makes a hero valid. Gilgamesh disturbs the societal equilibrium, and because of the fact that he is overwhelmingly powerful as a ruler and warrior, the people can only pray to Anu for relief. He “would leave no son to his father” and for this he is cruel and merciless (39). The sons of the fathers are being both intimidated and impressed by Gilgamesh's army and die in his wars rather than staying home for the good of their families. This proves that he has no moral compass as well as no conscience when it comes to his rash actions. Any hero should always have some sense of moral direction.
Gilgamesh is also poisoned by his narcissistic nature. He relies so much on his self-importance and selfishness that he can only think of how to bring benefit to himself. Any hero, or king rather, should feel the need to serve his people. Gilgamesh is always under the assumption that his people are simply there at his disposal and to serve his needs. This is apparent when they say, “this was the people’s shepherd” (39). His role as king is supposed to be fulfilled by being a servant to the public and focusing on ways to protect and support it. For Gilgamesh, this quality is incomprehensible to him as he does not understand what it means to help others. For this, is another reason why Gilgamesh is not a hero.
In all, Gilgamesh lacks the necessary qualities that a “true” hero would possess. He is cruel, conceited, and morally inept. This is significant to the epic as whole because in the midst of his overwhelming power, Gilgamesh has many underlying flaws and drawbacks that end up having major repercussions for him later in the epic.
Throughout the introduction of his character, Gilgamesh continually demonstrates how a so called “hero” should not carry himself, especially when in a position of authoritative power. When governing the kingdom of Uruk,
his demeanor is very tyrant like, especially when ruling his people. The people plead, “In the enclosure of Uruk he strode back and forth, Lording it like a wild bull, his head thrust high…Gilgamesh would leave no son to his father, Day and night he would rampage fiercely… this was the people’s shepherd” (39). These are the grievances his people are making when they pray to the deity, Anu. “Lording it like a wild bull” suggests that Gilgamesh takes a stance of power and force against his people due to his obsessive tendencies of battle glory and sexual conquest (39). He does not show any signs of restraint or patience when it comes to expressing authority. In most cases, those traits are crucial to what makes a hero valid. Gilgamesh disturbs the societal equilibrium, and because of the fact that he is overwhelmingly powerful as a ruler and warrior, the people can only pray to Anu for relief. He “would leave no son to his father” and for this he is cruel and merciless (39). The sons of the fathers are being both intimidated and impressed by Gilgamesh's army and die in his wars rather than staying home for the good of their families. This proves that he has no moral compass as well as no conscience when it comes to his rash actions. Any hero should always have some sense of moral direction.
Gilgamesh is also poisoned by his narcissistic nature. He relies so much on his self-importance and selfishness that he can only think of how to bring benefit to himself. Any hero, or king rather, should feel the need to serve his people. Gilgamesh is always under the assumption that his people are simply there at his disposal and to serve his needs. This is apparent when they say, “this was the people’s shepherd” (39). His role as king is supposed to be fulfilled by being a servant to the public and focusing on ways to protect and support it. For Gilgamesh, this quality is incomprehensible to him as he does not understand what it means to help others. For this, is another reason why Gilgamesh is not a hero.
In all, Gilgamesh lacks the necessary qualities that a “true” hero would possess. He is cruel, conceited, and morally inept. This is significant to the epic as whole because in the midst of his overwhelming power, Gilgamesh has many underlying flaws and drawbacks that end up having major repercussions for him later in the epic.