Gilgamesh exhibits qualities of an epic hero such as superhuman strength and courage. His strength is evidenced by his ability to overpower Enkidu, who was created to be similar to the gods and match Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh also shows tremendous mental strength and bravery when facing the dangerous Humbaba, pressing forward despite knowing the risk, which fulfills his destiny. These extraordinary abilities connect Gilgamesh's story to those of other epic heroes.

1. +
Let’s Write…
An 8 sentence paragraph

2. +
“Consider the characteristics of an epic hero and
write an 8 sentence paragraph in which you
explain how Gilgamesh fits this description.”
First:
Read the
Prompt!

3. +
Epic Hero Characteristics:
•Noble or unique birth. Not usually a commoner.
•Capable of deeds of supernatural strength or courage.
•Takes a remarkable, challenging journey—usually to the underworld.
•Is of national importance
•Faces supernatural forces/ deities that interest themselves in the hero.

4. +
Now, I need a BT (body thesis)
that answers the prompt.
While Gilgamesh exhibits qualities associated with the epic hero tradition,
the trait best establishing him as an epic hero is his superhuman ability.

5. +
Before I write my final thesis, I want
to think about my CDs.
 Concrete Detail #1?
 PHYSICAL STRENGTH
 Whoops up on Enkidu
 Whoops up on Humbaba
 Whoops up on Bull of Heaven
 Concrete Detail #2?
 MENTAL STRENGTH
 Not afraid of Humbaba
 Not afraid of Ishtar
 Not afraid of travelling to the
underworld.

6. +
What quotes would help prove G’s
physical strength against E.
 Enkidu is like Gilgamesh.
 “…like him as his own
reflection, his second self…let
them contend together…”
(1.62)
 Enkidu after fighting Gilgamesh:
 “There is not another like you in
the world…Enlil has given you
the kingship, for your strength
surpasses the strength of men”
(1.69)
 Enkidu is like the gods.
 “…will come in strength like
one of the host of heaven”
(1.67)

7. +
Let’s CHUNK this!
 To help the people, the gods send Enkidu “…in strength like
one of the host of heaven” (1.67), but Gilgamesh, whose
“strength surpasses the strength of men,” (1.69) even
overpowers him.
 No regular human can stand against Gilgamesh’s remarkable
strength, necessitating supernatural intervention to hold him
accountable.
 But even Enkidu, created in the gods’ image for the purpose of
fighting Gilgamesh, cannot defeat the powerful king.
That’s 1CD:2CM (“Commentary”: the “WHY?” and
“How?” answers to how your quote proves your BT)

8. +
What quotes would help prove G’s
mental strength against Humbaba?
 Humbaba is dangerous.
 “When he roars it is like the
torrent of the storm, his breath
is like fire, and his jaws are
death itself” (2.71)
 G isn’t afraid even when E is.
 “If your heart is fearful throw
away fear; if there is terror in it
throw away terror…He who
leaves the fight unfinished is
not a peace.” (2.81)
 You DON’T mess with Humbaba!
 “What man would willingly walk
into that country? Weakness
overpowers whoever goes near
it…it is not an equal struggle
when one fights with
Humbaba…” (2.71)

9. +
Let’s CHUNK this!
 Later, when Gilgamesh and Enkidu decide to challenge
Humbaba, Gilgamesh proves his exceptional bravery because
he knows if “he…leaves the fight unfinished [he will not find]
peace” (2.81).
 In spite of Humbaba’s terrifying nature and Enkidu’s urging to
retreat, Giglamesh’s mental toughness allows him to press on
into the forest to fulfill his destiny.
 He understands it is more frightening to live with the doubt that
would haunt him if he ran away from his destiny than it is to
face Humbaba.
That’s 1CD:2CM (“Commentary”: the “WHY?” and
“How?” answers to how your quote proves your BT)

10. +
Now for the Conclusion Sentence
In conclusion, his tremendous strength and fearlessness are just two of the
extraordinary abilities connecting Gilgamesh’s story with those of the epic
heroes of old.