Hero of the myth between Gilgamesh and Enkidu
A hero is a person who is willing to risk their lives or help others to survive. It is the act of being selfless and focuses on the needs and well-being of others. A hero is admired and looked up to because of his bravery. Both Gilgamesh and Enkidu exhibited the traits of bravery by their actions throughout the poem until Enkidu dies. Enkidu is strong and displays so much bravery but Gilgamesh displays the heroic characteristics described by Joseph Campbell. Following the definition of a hero, both Gilgamesh and Enkidu are heroic but Gilgamesh exhibits more of Campbell’s theory.
In the Epic of Gilgamesh, despite both Gilgamesh and Enkidu holding the title of a hero, Gilgamesh’s actions and story better suits what it means to be heroic in the book. They both go through hardships and obstacles but Gilgamesh proves himself more as a hero. This starts when he decides to travel to Cedar forest and everyone including Enkidu is trying to stop him, but he is too determined and has made up his mind. Gilgamesh feels so confident that he will make it to the pine forest and kill Humbaba, come back to Uruk, and continue being king (Mitchell). Enkidu on the other hand is still skeptical about this journey and even advises Gilgamesh not to take it. He is not afraid of the forest journey even when Enkidu tries to discourage him. When it is time to kill Humamba, both of them are afraid but Gilgamesh tells Enkidu that they should not be filled with scary thoughts. With every challenge, Gilgamesh faces Enkidu, tends to rationalize the situation. Before they battled Humumba, Enkidu told Gilgamesh that they should not fight that creature. On the contrary, Gilgamesh is ready to show his heroic actions by killing Humamba.
Both Gilgamesh and Enkidu united and became friends. They united their powers and skills when it came to handling situations. They both defeat the bull of heaven that was sent to Gilgamesh from the goddess Ishtar by her father because he turned down her offer of marriage. They both used their skills to overcome this obstacle and save their lives making Gilgamesh the hero because he won against the Ishtar’s father (Mitchell). Enkidu’s character complements that of Gilgamesh and has helped him become a better person as well as a king. When Enkidu is about to die, Gilgamesh begins to show his emotion and telling his companion not to leave him. He is devastated and is not afraid of showing it. He is selfless and offers his goods and treasures to the gods so that Enkidu is taken care of. After his death, Gilgamesh starts to look for answers about immortality and learns about the meaning of life from Utnapishtim.
Gilgamesh has proved himself to be a hero through his deeds. By traveling to the pine forest, facing challenges along the way and eventually killing Humamba for the sake of the land shows a courageous man. Despite him being warned about the dangers that he might face his determination could not allow any discouragements. Enkidu plays a very important role in Gilgamesh’s heroism. First, he becomes his companion whom they use their skills to overcome obstacles. They both kill the bull of heaven sent to Gilgamesh making him more confident even as King. After the death of Enkidu, Gilgamesh conquers the battle within himself after learning about life and goes back to the city as a selfless king and a hero.
Works Cited
Mitchell, Stephen. Gilgamesh: A New English Version. London: Profile, 2005. Internet resource.
