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Throughout the annals of literature, heroic figures have graced the pages of epic tales, leaving indelible marks on the literary landscape. However, when we delve into the annals of human history, we encounter the earliest epic hero - Gilgamesh. The Epic of Gilgamesh stands as the first written epic, and its eponymous protagonist, Gilgamesh, embodies the quintessential traits of epic heroes. In this essay, we will explore the various qualities that characterize Gilgamesh as an epic hero, including his exceptional birth, separation from his family, initiation into adventure, divine assistance, confrontation of obstacles, and a fatal flaw that shapes his destiny.
One of the hallmark characteristics of an epic hero is an extraordinary birth.
Gilgamesh is born under exceptionally unusual circumstances, as he is two-thirds god and one-third human. This divine lineage endows him with supernatural abilities and distinguishes him from ordinary mortals. Gilgamesh's unique birthright not only sets him apart but also lays the foundation for his journey as an epic hero.
Epic heroes often leave their familial abode to embark on quests or adventures.
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Gilgamesh's story adheres to this pattern when he leaves his city-state, Uruk, to engage with the world beyond. He chooses to live with someone else - Enkidu, a wild man created by the gods to challenge Gilgamesh. This separation from his familiar surroundings initiates the heroic journey that unfolds in the epic.
Every epic hero's journey commences with a call to adventure or an inciting incident.
In Gilgamesh's case, the gods send Enkidu to confront him, igniting a series of events that lead to an epic quest. This confrontation serves as the catalyst for Gilgamesh's transformation from a proud and arrogant ruler to a hero who must overcome formidable challenges.
Epic heroes often receive aid from divine or supernatural forces to navigate the trials and tribulations of their journeys. Gilgamesh is no exception; the gods play a significant role in his story. They create Enkidu to test his mettle and guide him on his path. The divine intervention in Gilgamesh's life underscores the epic nature of his quest and the cosmic forces at play.
As an epic hero, Gilgamesh faces a multitude of obstacles and challenges during his adventure. After Enkidu's death, Gilgamesh embarks on a perilous journey into the wilderness, encountering giant scorpions and a seductive woman who seeks to divert him from his path. These trials are integral to his growth as a hero and align with the traditional narrative structure of epic tales.
Every epic hero is flawed in some way, and Gilgamesh is no exception. His fatal flaw lies in his relentless pursuit of eternal life. This unquenchable desire leads him to the sage Utnapishtim, who possesses the secret of immortality. Gilgamesh's fixation on this goal consumes him, putting him at odds with the limits of mortality and the human condition. This flaw becomes a central theme in the epic, culminating in a profound revelation.
During his quest, Gilgamesh meets Utnapishtim, who recounts the story of the great flood and his own reward of eternal life. Gilgamesh, driven by his fatal flaw, implores Utnapishtim to grant him the same immortality. However, Utnapishtim subjects Gilgamesh to a test: staying awake for an entire week. Gilgamesh fails this ultimate trial, realizing that eternal life remains beyond mortal reach. This revelation, a common motif in epic narratives, marks the hero's transformation and enlightenment.
In conclusion, the Epic of Gilgamesh stands as a seminal work in the history of literature, featuring Gilgamesh as the first recorded epic hero. He embodies the quintessential qualities of epic heroes, from his exceptional birth to his separation from family, initiation into adventure, divine assistance, confrontation of obstacles, and a fatal flaw that shapes his destiny. Gilgamesh's journey, marked by triumphs and tribulations, serves as a foundational archetype for subsequent epic heroes across cultures and eras. Through his tale, we not only explore the hero's external exploits but also his internal transformation, a testament to the enduring power and universality of epic storytelling.
Gilgamesh: The First Recorded Epic Hero. (2016, Nov 10). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/gilgamesh-the-first-epic-hero-essay
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