Gilgamesh Essays

Gilgamesh Research Paper
The Epic of Gilgamesh inspires you to ponder who is this "Gilgamesh," and why is he so called
"Epic?" The first few pages allows you to recap on how Gilgamesh is a remarkable person, "two
thirds of him god, one third human" (tablet I, page 1). This powerful statement allows the reader to
understand that you reading about a person who wants to be represented as being more god than
being a human. Initially you think Gilgamesh as a great leader with powerful moves that no other
can overcome. While you read longer and strengthen your impression about Gilgamesh you often
notice his opposite side reveal his inner beast. "His companions are kept on their feet by his contests,
the young men of Uruk he harries without warrant. Gilgamesh lets
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Gilgamesh Essay
Topical Essay 1
The story of "Gilgamesh" depicts all of the heroic triumphs and heart–breaking pitfalls a heroic
narrative should depict to be able to relate to today's audience. However, "Gilgamesh" was once
considered a lost and forgotten piece of literature for thousands of years, so there is a tremendous
gap between the time it was created and the time it was translated into language that today's audience
can understand. That gap in history makes several aspects of the story of "Gilgamesh" strange and
unfamiliar because what we now know about ancient Middle Eastern cultures and languages is a lot
less than what we know about the cultures that prospered after ancient Middle Eastern cultures.
Much of the content in the story of...show more content...
However, the prostitute was depicted as a nurturer and a symbol of pleasure. The prostitute seduced
Enkidu and taught him how to function properly in human society. The prostitute also played a
major role in Enkidu and Gilgamesh becoming friends because she led Enkidu to Uruk, which
was the place Gilgamesh ruled. The way the story of "Gilgamesh" ended was a bit strange to me
as well because typical heroic narratives end in heroism and triumph. In the story of "Gilgamesh"
Gilgamesh doesn't reach his goal of attaining eternal life at the end, instead he fails miserably and
meets the inevitable fate of death. I expected him to overcome the tremendous odds that were
stacked against him and victoriously become immortal. Today's audience is used to the hero
overcoming what most consider impossible at the end of a story. Although I found the story of
"Gilgamesh" to be somewhat strange it contained several familiar elements that are prevalent in
many heroic tales from the past and present. One familiar element was what some people refer to as
the "under–dog" factor. Gilgamesh and Enkidu embarked upon the most grueling and epic journey of
their lives just to find the vicious giant named Humbaba. The way that Humbaba was described in
the story made you feel like there is no way possible he can be defeated. This makes the audience
want to side with the lesser opponents because you can relate

The Epic Of Gilgamesh Essay
The Epic of Gilgamesh dates back to the time of the Sumerians, where it was discovered during the
third millennium which is around 2000 B.C.E. It is widely known as one of the first pieces of
writing discovered because many works around that time were destroyed or did not survive. Because
it is one of the first pieces of literature, the author is unknown. The Epic of Gilgamesh was shared
through word of mouth long before it was ever written down, making it even more difficult to find
the original source. There are many reasons why this piece was written. It is said to relatively
reflect the life of King Gilgamesh, the Sumerian ruler of Uruk. The author had a purpose to inform
readers by presenting different themes and lessons in the poem. The author highlights Gilgamesh's
friendship with...show more content...
This poem wouldn't have been popular in later civilization because of the rise of Monotheism.
Religion played a huge role in the lives of the Sumerians. Craig mentions that there were many
epic poems like Gilgamesh, that were told about the power of the gods, indicating that their lives
were designed around serving them. Knowing this information, the assumption could be made that
The Epic of Gilgamesh was written to emphasize the gods' power and the short lives that the
people themselves had. This source tells us that Sumerians believed that their intention in life was
to serve and listen to the gods. They must worship, entertain and devote their lives to pleasing
them. During the time this source was written, the Sumerians were prosperous in literature. It was
common to write poems that detailed the lives of the kings. Because of this, it would be more
feasible for The Epic of Gilgamesh to be shared by word of mouth, since it was a popular activity at
the time. Also, The Epic of Gilgamesh raises questions and themes that are still relevant in society

Essay On Gilgamesh
There is debate to whether or not the 12th tablet of the Epic of Gilgamesh belongs to the original
story. Gilgamesh showcases many tropes that we see in classic epics and novels of heros. He was
a man without fear, without a challenge, and at the beginning of the story he is painted out to be
more of a villain than a hero. This was do to his unrest, he need someone who could challenge him;
this would allow him to go down the path path of a hero. Enkidu was created by the gods to challenge
Gilgamesh and push him. I feel after he meets Enkidu, he starts to consider his fame more and
channels his gifts towards accomplishing feats instead terrorizing his people. Although, this
development happens later in his life I feel Gilgamesh holds higher...show more content...
In Tablet 7 (60–62) they talk about the underworld as Enkidu is passing into the afterlife. Despite
that the text doesn't really strike fear into the reader about the underworld. He is turned into a
dove and is taken to a house where the gods of the the underworld and afterlife reside. Fame is
glorified more in the first 11 tablets. So if it was presented the way it was in the 12th tablet it
would take away from that aspect. If I tell you what I saw of the ways of the Netherworld, O sit
you down and weep!' (194). This line alone depicts the differences in viewpoints in the first 11
tablets when compared to the 12th tablet. Its depicting the netherworld as a hellish place and
brings to question is fame worth it. Enkidu tells Gilgamesh of the people he saw; the man who
battle, the one who is left to rot in the fields. Enkidu states that the first man his love ones weep and
the second man has found no rest in the netherworld (195). This tablet tackles what happens to these
men of honor and fame and shows that regardless of what you do in the the human world, the
netherworld is ruthless to all. I begs the question is eternal glory and fame worth it in

The Epic of Gilgamesh Essays
True love and immortality in life would be a dream come true to many people. To spend time with
a special someone; the person one feels closest to; the so–called soul mate and to never have that
high feeling of emotion end mentally and physically would greatly appeal to most people. But when
death steps into the picture, even with all the pain and devastation, one starts to re–evaluate
themselves and realizes the important things in life and puts it all into perspective. In The Epic of
Gilgamesh, the main character, Gilgamesh, is a powerful, arrogant king and part god. Enkidu,
Gilgamesh's partner, is animal–like but later takes on more humanistic traits such as his
contemplation's of death. The friendship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu is a...show more content...
"In the silence of people they began to laugh and clutched each other in their breathless
exaltation" (24). From there is when Gilgamesh knew what true love and happiness was, which
would later allow him to contemplate death.
With having Enkidu in his life, Gilgamesh realizes the importance of caring for others. For this
Gilgamesh wanted to change his cities perception of him. He did not want to be looked at as an
evil king. He wanted to be someone who would go down in history, never dying. So to make his
city happy and to show good fortune he went forth to kill Humbaba, an evil guardian of the forest.
"And then he raised his ax up higher and swung it in a perfect arc into Humbaba's neck"
(40), ultimately killing Humbaba. During this journey and small battle Enkidu had been wounded.
Enkidu eventually dies from his wounds and Gilgamesh nearly goes insane from losing his best
friend and lover. Gilgamesh then acknowledges death and despises it.
Although at first Gilgamesh is distraught, depressed, and very desperate to go find eternal life he
realizes that what he had with Enkidu was special and should enjoy the rest of his life, care for
others and acknowledge death as a part of life. When Gilgamesh is in his panic stage going to look
for the eternal life he thinks irrationally. He

Analysis of the Epic of Gilgamesh Essay
Analysis of the Epic of Gilgamesh The epic of Gilgamesh is the earliest primary document
discovered in human history dating back to approximately 2,000 B.C.E. This document tells a
story of an ancient King Gilgamesh, ruler of Sumer in 2,700 B.C.E. who is created gloriously by
gods as one third man and two third god. In this epic, Gilgamesh begins his kingship as an
audacious and immature ruler. Exhausted from complaints, the gods send a wild man named Enkidu
to become civilized and assist Gilgamesh to mature into a righteous leader. However, Enkidus death
causes Gilgamesh to realize his fear of immortality and search for an escape from death. On his
journey, Gilgamesh learns that the gods will not grant his wish and that he must...show more
content...
The author is praising Gilgamesh's leadership by communicating his intellectual capabilities deserve
respect. This, shows that ancient Mesopotamians believed that part of a great ruler's value was
revealed in their advanced intellectual capacities. The epic reveals that ancient Mesopotamia
understood that the basis of a monarch's legitimacy relied on the respect he carried for not only the
beings whom he rules and those who rule over him, but also his knowledge. The epic gives insight
to the ways in which ancient Mesopotamians valued life. This becomes most obvious when Enkidu
reveals to Gilgamesh his nightmare of the dark and enslaving afterlife as he is dying (The Epic of
Gilgamesh, 2). This leaves Gilgamesh with extreme terror of death which provokes his desperate
attempts to escape it. Giving death fearful and dark characteristics communicates that the afterlife
is a harrowing experience and life is the individual's harmonious experience. This serves to
establish that ancient Mesopotamians sensed that life was something to be cherished and conceived
of in a positive light. In addition, Mesopotamian life views are also illustrated when Gilgamesh
must accept that he will not receive his requests for immortality from the gods (The Epic of
Gilgamesh, 2). This suggests Mesopotamian society believed wise men should be grateful for their
destiny and that he or she should not reach beyond what they are given. In doing so, this

Gilgamesh Hero's Journey Essay
From the beginning gilgamesh is known as being a bad person even a bride from a soon to be
married. He eventually meets enkidu, a wild man, raised by animals and ignores humans. But after
interacting with humans he ends up in a wrestling match with Gilgamesh. Eventually Enkidu and
Gilgamesh become friends and the hero's journey starts. The first step according to Campbell is the
"call to adventure" where the hero receives a call for adventure and leave their life. They both
decide to visit the evil forest and hunt down Humbaba, the protector of the gods tree supply. At this
point Gilgamesh is still very arrogant and has not yet started to change his ways.
Gilgamesh then reaches the next step and crosses a threshold. which is when he leaves...show more
content...
The crossing of the return threshold is the final step in Gilgamesh's hero journey. Enkidu's death
sent Gilgamesh on an adventure to fight death but he ultimately ended up learning his biggest
lesson from Utnapishtim, the man who become immortal. He learns to appreciate life every day
and that humans are meant to die. Utnapishtim tells him how fortunate he is to be 2/3 divine and
1/3 human, to be blessed, and to be king . He takes this information and starts to appreciate
everything about his life and his kingdom. He understands that death is a part of life. This
experience changed him for the better. From the beginning of the story of Gilgamesh to the end
you can see a total transformation in this character. The strong and greedy king showed fear and
vulnerability. The death of his brother and second half stirred up his restless heart and sent him
on a journey to fight and overcome death. The lesson he learned though was to appreciate his life
every day until he dies. He learned that death was a part of life. Gilgamesh has obvious flaws and
goes through many struggles just as its readers do on a daily basis. Gilgamesh's vulnerability
makes him easy to relate to. Modern American readers want a hero who's relatable and seems
ordinary in their emotions and life. People change in life sometimes for the better and sometimes
for the worst. In the case of Gilgamesh he changed for the better and become a better person. Readers

Analysis Of ' The Epic Of Gilgamesh ' Essay
Georgia Perimeter College
Epic of Gilgamesh
Jung M Gu
World Literature 129
Liam Madden
12/2/2016
Jung Gu
Professor Liam Madden
World Literature
11/30/16
The Epic of Gilgamesh
The story about Gilgamesh is one of the earliest pieces of world literature dating back to the second
millennium B.C.E. This story has been evolved gradually over a long span of a millennium, and has
been enjoyed by many nations. The Epic of Gilgamesh teaches life lessons that apply to the past and
present while revolving around the question of what it means to be human, and to experience the
phenomenon of friendship, love, and death.
Notably, the thing about human life is that everyone desires friendship or to be simply not be
alone. In the story of the epic of Gilgamesh talks about how friendship changed his whole life.
Gilgamesh used to be a terrible ruler led by arrogance, and brutality of his people. He was
overconsumed with power, therefore doing whatever he wanted whenever he wanted. It seemed
that Gilgamesh grew bored of life, and had a deep hole in his heart as such something was
missing from his life. One day Gilgamesh told his mother "I want a friend for my own counselor,
for my own Counselor do I want a friend" (Foster 106). He needed someone to confide in as well
as talk too about his plans and future. Gilgamesh had everything in his life from riches to power, but
it seemed like the thing he craved more than success was someone to take the journey beside him. In
a

Gilgamesh Research Paper
The strongest super human that ever existed was Gilgamesh. With his half human and half god self,
trying to keep people safe from the outside but not from himself. His government is oppressive and
a dictatorship. At the time he was a historical king from Uruk in Babylonia about 2000 B.C
Enkidu a man sent by the gods to fight Gilgamesh. Was part of the animals and lived with them, in
the meadows. Contrarily, Gilgamesh wanted to have all women as part of his bride chamber. And
that's where Enkidu catches him. But after they meet, Gilgamesh suddenly changes his way. After
Enkidu dies by a supposed illness induced by gods. Gilgamesh's heart is shattered.
After all what happened Gilgamesh wanted to seek immortality. He went to a mountain

The Human Experience In The Epic Of Gilgamesh
The Epic of Gilgamesh epitomizes the human experience. Despite being two–thirds divine, perfect in
strength and ideally handsome Gilgamesh was still a bit naГЇve. He was overbearing on his citizens,
and he was afraid of dying. The priest–king of Uruk's life seems incomplete until the creation of
Enkidu. Ironically enough Enkidu who was created to be an enemy to Gilgamesh, became his best
friend. Gilgamesh leaves the comfort of civilization and journeys into the wilderness with his friend
to undergo their first adventure. The duo appears to be an unstoppable pair slaying both the giant
Humbaba and then the Bull of Heaven. It is only through divine intervention that the pair is broken
up when Enkidu dies through severe illness. Gilgamesh is hit

Epic of Gilgamesh Essay
The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of earliest known pieces of literature. Through years of storytelling
and translation, The Epic of Gilgamesh became a timeless classic. This story is believed to have
originated from Sumerian poems and legends about the king of Uruk, Gilgamesh. Throughout the
epic, many themes arose about women, love, and journeys and the one I would like to discuss is the
theme of death. Also, I will discuss if Gilgamesh accepts morality at the end of the story and the
development of Gilgamesh's character throughout the story. The story mainly focuses on the
character Gilgamesh and this wild man created by the gods, Enkidu in which Gilgamesh and Enkidu
later become good friends. Together they go upon quests to defeat...show more content...
But when Enkidu dies while fighting Humbaba, one can tell a change in Gilgamesh's character.
Since Enkidu was his close and only friend, it makes it more visible that everyone is mortal. One
may say that, by going into the forest and facing Humbaba, Gilgamesh makes a name for himself
and changes the views of the people in his city. The great accomplishment of killing Humbaba
makes him a better person because he protects his city and for his love of Enkidu and his people.
This is a considerable amount of change from the beginning of the story. There are no major
changes in the character of Gilgamesh until Enkidu enters the picture. Enkidu is the primary
reason for the ultimate changes in the personality and maturity of Gilgamesh. The main factor
contributing to the changes in Gilgamesh the love that develops with Enkidu. Enkidu is made to
make Gilgamesh more human. In the first paragraph of the book the gods are angry with
Gilgamesh and send down an equal of himself, they send down Enkidu. After becoming friends,
Gilgamesh changes because he has an equal to be with. From Cedar Forest, Gilgamesh is met by
Shamash, the Sun God, who tells him, "You will never find the life for which you are searching."
This upsets Gilgamesh because he has traveled so far for someone to tell him he cannot have what
he wants and is looking for. For there, Gilgamesh travels to see Siduri by the sea. Siduri will not let
Gilgamesh pass to through to see Utnapishtim, the only man with eternal

Gilgamesh: a Hero's Journey Essay
2/29/12 Gilgamesh the Hero Gilgamesh, written by David Ferry, illustrates a story about a man
who knows everything, but continues to try and learn more. Although Gilgamesh may be arrogant,
he still remains a great ruler and commander of Uruk. Throughout the book, the adventures of
Gilgamesh fit Joseph Campbell's idea of the hero's journey. After analyzing the pieces to the hero's
journey, Gilgamesh is proven to be a true hero because his journey parallels that of the hero's
journey described by Campbell. The latter part of this paper will prove Gilgamesh is a hero using
Campbell's model, by analyzing the pieces of the hero's journey: separation or departure, the
initiation, and the return. The first element of the hero's...show more content...
Crossing the threshold is the last component of separation or departure. Campbell explains this as
leaving a world you know and entering a world that is unknown. In the book, Gilgamesh and Enkidu
leave Uruk after visiting Rimat–Ninsun. "Then from the Seven–Bolt Gate the two departed,/hearing
the warnings and blessings of the city" (Ferry 20). As the two companions leave the city they
know so well and begin their journey into the land they are unfamiliar with, they cross their
threshold. Since all of the elements of separation or departure are met in the beginning of the story,
Gilgamesh continues to meet the criteria to be a hero. The second piece needed for a hero's
journey is initiation, which includes the roads of trials, the belly of the whale, meetings, attonement
with the father, and the ultimate boon. Gilgamesh's fight against Huwawa was one of many
challenges he had during his journey. "Then Gilgamesh was afraid, and Enkidu/was afraid, and
they entered into the Forest, afraid" (Ferry 26). Just as a hero would act, Gilgamesh didn't let his
fears get the best of him, but instead he entered the Forest to fight Huwawa. Another challenge
Gilgamesh faces later in the story is fighting the Twin Dragon Scorpion Beings. When he came to
the mountain and saw the monster, fear spread through his body, but he didn't let it stop him from
his goal. "Terror in the body of Gilgamesh/seized hold of him

The Epic Of Gilgamesh : Gilgamesh
Gilgamesh in 2015 Even though the epic Gilgamesh is thousands of years old, it is still read
today. Why would the era of technology read an epic this old? This is because the themes in
Gilgamesh are still relevant. In addition, the themes are experiences that Gilgamesh went through
in his life period, and serve as lessons for the current readers. Gilgamesh's themes include journey,
legacy, love, and death. These themes make Gilgamesh a vital reading for the 21st century
citizens because people today still experience journeys, legacy, love, and death just like
Gilgamesh did thousands of years ago. Everyone goes through journeys in life. Yet, some people
are in different journeys from ours. Many people go through distinct journeys to discover who
they are. Gilgamesh seemed lost in life at the beginning of the epic. He was a terrible king, always
bullying his people. When Enkidu came into his life, Gilgamesh changed into an ideal king.
However, it was not just Enkidu that changed him, but the journeys they both went through. They
went on almost impossible challenges. First, they went into Cedar Forest to slay Humbaba, the
beast and cut down the tallest cedar tree. Second, they killed the Bull of Heaven that Ishtar, the
godess of love and war, unleashed. Lastly, Gilgamesh goes alone on a journey to find immortality,
which he fails to do. By the end of all the journeys, Gilgamesh becomes a wise, devoted, and heroic
king. Like Gilgamesh, some challenges are won and others are

Epic Of Gilgamesh Essay
I.Introduction.
Gilgamesh epic which was written in cuneiform and found in 1845 is an earliest recorded work of
literature. Gilgamesh was the king of the great ancient walled city of Uruk. This paper will present
Gilgamesh epic myth analysis starting with the historical context which will be followed by world
view. The psychological context then will discuss the main psychological elements of the epic.
Finally, the contemporary themes will relate the epic themes to the current situation and events.
II.Historical View
The significance of the great flood, Gilgamesh as a bad king, and Utanapishtim (the survivor of the
great flood) will be discussed to show their significance to the historical content of this great ancient
epic.
A.The Great...show more content...
The great grief and sorrow of Enkidu's death makes Gilgamesh to start to think how he can be
immortal. In search of an eternal life, Gilgamesh started his journey to find Utanapishtim whom he
knows got an eternal life after the great flood.
B.Belly of the wolf
Gilgamesh faces difficulties on his adventure to find Utanapishtim. He fought wild beasts and
crossed the waters of deaths. However, the tunnel of Mount Mashu which extends 36 mile totally
dark was the main abyss of Gilgamesh. According to the World Mythology book of Rosenberg, the
darkness was so thick that Gilgamesh could not see anything behind or in front of him. After
Gilgamesh crossed the tunnel his cheeks was so pale and his face was so gaunt which clearly shows
how difficult was the journey.
C.Atonement with the Father
After crossing the death of waters with Urshanabi, Gilgamesh was able to find the Faraway–
Utanapishitm. Utanapishtim challenged Gilgamesh not to go sleep for a week to test and make
him believe he is mortal. Gilgamesh failed the test and accepted his fate as mortal. Though,
Gilgamesh was not able to get the immortality but he was able to learn the wisdom of living from
the wise

The Odyssey And The Epic Of Gilgamesh Essay
When it comes to the realm of epic poetry, and hero–like characters in literature, the two works The
Odyssey and the Epic of Gilgamesh can be compared and contrasted in different ways. The Odyssey
and the Epic of Gilgamesh can be compared as expressions of searches for the meaning of life
through knowledge. The two stories are somewhat mirrors in this manner. Throughout each story, the
characters Odysseus and Gilgamesh show growth and change. The Odyssey can be summed up by
stating how the great warrior, Odysseus, is trying to return home to his wife and son after fighting
an epic war. In the Epic of Gilgamesh, a partial god, by the name of Gilgamesh, faced retribution for
poor leadership, but manages to redeem himself. In both the Odyssey and the Epic of Gilgamesh,
both heroes are in search for the meaning of life. Both heroes want glory and everlasting fame. They
want their name to last for eternity. It is important to notice the role that both characters play in these
two literatures. They both heroes serve as connects between the gods and the mortals. Although both
Odysseus and Gilgamesh are both mortals, they both were granted strengths. Odysseus has great
mental strength and Gilgamesh has great physical strength. Both characters change throughout the
story. As they gain more knowledge about life along the way, they eventually begin to discover their
own meaning of life. In doing so, each Gilgamesh and Odysseus both change throughout their
journey.
There

Epic Of Gilgamesh Research Paper
Literature widely varies on the basis of culture, society, period that they live in and so on. One of
the famous tales from the 1200 BC is the Epic of Gilgamesh. It provided the reader with various
ideas such as the ideas of living in early culture, the government and this pressure on the people,
spirituality, humanity and above all it had a tale of friendship. The literature during those times were
quite pretty straight forward and emphasised on certain aspects and domains of nature and culture.
But, on the other hand, when we take a look at the literature at the present generation, it shows signs
of variations and distinctions from the earlier tales and epics. We can literature being evolved on the
basis of the times people live in. DUring the time, when the greek lived, they focused...show more
content...
LAter than, during the renaissance period, the literature commonly emphasised on Humanism,
where they wanted their times to be better than the Dark ages where they used to live in. The
commonly emphasised on living a wonderful life with no fear and tensions. Soon after that period
came the Enlightenment period where they focused more on freedom and liberty. And then came
Romanticism, where during the periods of Shakespeare, he commonly wrote poems and stories
commonly centred in love and passion. One common example that almost all of us know is the
famous story of Romeo and Juliet. AS time passed on literature got evolved into various constituents
such as naturalism, realism and modernism. People really believed in what they stood for and began
bending literature based on their free will. What they found was right, was written down and
published. People in the present generation has their desire towards

Gilgamesh Character Analysis
Have you ever wanted something so badly that you would quite literally go to the end of the world
to retrieve it? This is an attribute that perfectly describes the character of Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh is
the main character of the ancient Uruk epic that is known as the epic of Gilgamesh. He experiences
a lot of hardship and tribulations throughout the story. Some of the things are the loss of his "brother"
Enkidu, which makes him want to become Immortal, the death of Humbaba This changes him in
many different ways, like how he changes the way he acts from acting like a god to a noble and
fair king. My goal in this paper is to show you how the events of the death of Humbaba, the death of
Enkidu and his quest for his immortality...show more content...
So, they put him through pain for so many days until he finally dies. His death changes Gilgamesh
so much that he realizes he not the immortal god he thinks he is. This is show in this quote from the
story "Hear me, great ones of Uruk, I weep for Enkidu, my friend, Bitterly moaning like a woman
mourning I weep for my brother O Enkidu, my brother, You were the axe at my side, My hand's
strength, the sword in my belt, The shield before me, He realizes that he is just like us a mortal
mostly human being. Which lead to him searching for the one thing he now wants most in his
life, Immortality. He goes on a quest to find him leads to him finding Utnapishtim. He tells
Gilgamesh about the plant at the bottom of the river that will give him what he seeks, the key to
immortality. When Gilgamesh retrieves it though, a snake comes up and eats the plant becoming
immortal in the process. This means that he can no longer become immortal. He then comes
home and becomes the good king and lives out the rest of his life until his death. This is shown in
this quote from the story" The king has laid himself down and will not rise again, The Lord of
Kullab will not rise again; He overcame evil, he will not come again; Though he was strong of arm
he will not rise again"
The events of the death of Humbaba, the death of Enkidu and his failed search for immortality are
just a couple of the events in the story that change him and turn him into the king he was meant to
be. That's

Lessons Learned From the Epic of Gilgamesh Essay
The Epic of Gilgamesh, a Mesopotamian epic poem with no known author, is the story of the brute
King of Uruk, Gilgamesh, who was two–thirds divine and one–third human, which teaches readers
the unstoppable force of death, the wrath of the gods, and also the power of friendship, which are
illustrated to readers through the characters journeys, and those encountered along the way. The
poem, which is divided into twelve tablets, starts off with Gilgamesh being a vicious tyrant, one
who "would leave no son to his father... no girl to her mother"(Gilgamesh 101), and as for newly
married couples "was to join with the girl that night"(Gilgamesh 109) transitions to by the end of the
story an entirely new man.
One of the main...show more content...
Gilgamesh then goes on a fifty–five line long rant, just absolutely trashing Ishtar for her advances.
Ishtar then runs to her father, who just so happens to be Anu, to request the Bull of Heaven to
kill Gilgamesh. At first, Anu says that she provoked the king to say such things, but when Ishtar
says she will raise the dead, the god agrees to her request. Yet again, Anu must show his wrath.
The Bull of Heaven is released onto Uruk, but together, Gilgamesh and Enkidu are able to defeat
it and save the city. Enkidu throws part of the bull's body at Ishtar, and Gilgamesh hangs its
massive horns in his bedroom, which of course only further angered Ishtar. After a night of
celebration, Enkidu has a dream in which the gods say that he must die. Another example of the
wrath of the gods, Enkidu falls ill and dies after twelve days. Hoping to discover how he himself
can avoid the fate of his comrade, Gilgamesh goes on a journey to find Utnapishtim, a man who
survived a great flood and was granted eternal life by the gods. When Gilgamesh finds him,
Utnapishtim tells him the story of the flood he experienced, which was sent from the gods for no
other reason than they were angry. In The Epic of Gilgamesh, the wrath of the gods is provoked for
many reasons, whether it is to teach a lesson, or the gods are simply angry. Either way, the wrath of
the gods is present in this poem.
Another theme that is also present in The Epic of Gilgamesh is the

The Epic Of Gilgamesh Essay
Further analysis of the poem The Epic of Gilgamesh, described the characteristic of king Gilgamesh
from the beginning, middle, and end. Throughout the poem, there are immature and petrified
moments of Gilgamesh, but more importantly he learned to grow as he explore his journey.
Friendship, love, and fear appears to be essential in this poem. Why are those terms relevant ? and
how does it connect with the trait of Gilgamesh ?, let's continue to find out the truth about
Gilgamesh. In the beginning of the poem, Gilgamesh show his nasty manners to the people from
the Uruk town. People described him as a terrible king because of how the way he treat others. He
act extremely arrogant and careless. Gilgamesh would sleep with every women from...show more
content...
This explain that Enkidu is trying to point out how dangerous Humbaba is. Gilgamesh didn't care
how powerful Humbaba is because he believe that he could take anyone down, he didn't care
about Enkidu thoughts of Humbaba. "Gilgamesh opened his mouth to speak,/ say [to Enkidu:]
/ why, my friend, do you speak like a weakling?/ with your spineless words you [make me]
despondent." (19). This shows that Gilgamesh is arrogant and immature, thinking he could defeat
the monster himself without having any fear. Gilgamesh went back to the Uruk to make an
announcement of battling Humbaba the vicious monster. Gilgamesh said, "I will conquer him in
the Forest of Cedar:/ let the land learn Uruk's offshoot is mighty!/ let me start out,/ I will cut
down the Cedar./ I will establish for ever a name eternal!" (20). Next, Gilgamesh and Enkidu
climbed up the hill into the forest to find Humbaba. They end up on the hillside to rest before the
battle. Gilgamesh had his first dream, "[My friend, did you not call me? Why have I wakened ?]
/ [Did you not touch me? Why am I startled ?]/ [Did a god not pass by? Why is my flesh frozen
numb?]/ [My friend, I have had the first dream!]" (30). This symbolize fear, for the first time
Gilgamesh experiencing the feeling of being afraid. Gilgamesh suddenly changed as he went onto a
Journey to the Forest of Cedar. When Gilgamesh continue to see Humbaba knowing that he is

Epic of Gilgamesh Essay examples
Good King, Bad Kind
Gilgamesh existed as one of the oldest known Sumerian rulers of all time and is accredited to many
accomplishments. Legend has it that he created the first Sumerian civilization, constructing a city
with many elaborate temples and immense walls. However, he has also been characterized as one of
the cruelest and most self–centered rulers of all. Throughout the course of Gilgamesh's life he goes
from being a womanizing, slave driving ruler to a negligent and stubborn king, who not even
god–sent Enkidu could help transform into a better king.
At first, Gilgamesh is a controlling and arrogant king, who thinks only of himself. He constantly
works the men, building enormous walls surrounding the...show more content...
The two immediately become companions because Gilgamesh finally finds his match. They set off
on an adventure to destroy the cedar forest and its guardian, Humbaba, all to be forever
remembered. Gilgamesh appears to be improving his ways and not exasperating his people.
However, Gilgamesh then takes his journey to be remembered one step too far and kills the bull
of heaven. This infuriates the gods so greatly that they decide that one out of Gilgamesh and
Enkidu must pay for their actions. The gods therefore bestow a deadly illness upon Enkidu, which
brings about his death. Enkidu's death devastates Gilgamesh, for he not only loses his best friend,
but also comes to the realization that he soon too will die. Not only does Gilgamesh lose his best
friend, but he also comes to the realization that he will also die some day. Thus, Gilgamesh decides
to seek out immortality so he will not have to endure death.
Gilgamesh sets out on his journey for immortality, leaving his kingdom and people behind to fend
for themselves. He starts to become self–seeking just as he had before. He spends every waking
moment searching for immortality only to benefit himself. The whole purpose of the journey itself
is so that Gilgamesh can gain immortality for himself and be remembered forever. He doesn't realize
that his people are off on there own with no king to control the empire. Even when

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