Blog Post #4: What makes Gilgamesh a hero

In movies, a hero is typically depicted as an extraordinary person who has exceptional strength, courage, nobility and is admired by a great mass of people for some incredible deed such as saving mankind. However, in reality, heroes are quite common. They are the ones who put their life at risk every day for our safety such as soldiers, police officers, doctors, firefighters, or simply a father in a child's eyes. All these people in our society could be considered heroes and they usually share common traits: bravery, courage, selflessness, caring, nobility, and respected by society.

In the Epic of Gilgamesh, although the king could be classified as a Hero's archetype as he follows many common traits of the hero character in epics, movies, and literature, he does not seem to possess the heroes' traits in today's society. He lacks the selflessness, nobility and the respect from his people. A soldier would sacrifice his life for his country, a father would also for his child but Gilgamesh does not show this quality in the Epic, also, his quest for immortality stems from his selfish desire. Also, he does not receive respect from his people as they view him as a tyrant who contempt the gods, and a serial rapist.

However, Gilgamesh also posses some heroic traits such as courage, bravery, and caring. His bravery and courage could be seen when he slays the beast Humbaba, killed the bull sent by Ishtar, through his immortal quest and when he accepts his faith to be mortal.