The Monsters Of The Epic Of Gilgamesh - 1623 Words

Today’s society defines a monster as a person or animal with unnatural qualities. These characteristics can be physical, mental, and can pertain to the way someone acts among other human beings. Any action or look that is beyond what humankind perceives as normal adopts the title of monster. Often in literature the monsters that are created are meant to portray the thoughts that society has as to what qualifies someone to be a monster. Many humans can have monstrous qualities, but the significance is in whether or not those qualities determine the trajectory of the person’s life and makes them unrecognizable that they can be described as a monster. Gilgamesh and Grendal seek to fulfill their monstrous desires motivated by ego and jealousy, but it is when one loses touch with their humanity that they become a monster. In The Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh is the two-thirds god, one-third man, king of Uruk. Since he is part god he is very strong and beautiful compared to th e average man. In the beginning of the tale, the people of Uruk pray to the gods to send someone to deliver them because Gilgamesh slept with wives and forced his subjects to do hard labor, notable for building the walls surrounding the city of Uruk. The gods decide that they need someone that can match the strength and beauty of Gilgamesh to create a balance. They created Enkidu who became Gilgamesh’s best friend. Enkidu then warns Gilgamesh of a threat in the sacred forest, the guardian Humbaba. Humbaba wasShow MoreRelatedEpic Journeys towards Improvement in The Epic of Gilgamesh and Oedipus Rex670 Words   |  3 Pagesreadings, The Epic of Gilgamesh and Oedipus Rex, both protagonists embark in an epic journey to either better themselves, or their kingdoms. Gilgamesh slays a monster with the help of Enkidu for fame, but then leaves his kingdom of Uruk to go on a quest for immortality. Oedipus outsmarts a monster and saves the city of Thebes once, but then has to save it o nce more by leaving Thebes. Both protagonists have similarities and differences in each of their journeys. Oedipus and Gilgamesh both similarlyRead MoreBeowulf And The Epic Of Gilgamesh1667 Words   |  7 Pagesthe most widely known epic poems of their time were Beowulf and The Epic of Gilgamesh. Both Beowulf and Gilgamesh embody traits known exclusively of a hero. The poem of Beowulf and The Epic Gilgamesh both showcase the characteristics required of being an epic, in that they include a hero on a quest performing valorous deeds in an elevated style, while being protected by supernatural forces. The epic poem, Beowulf was based in the country of Denmark, while The Epic of Gilgamesh was based in a regionRead MoreEpic Of Gilgamesh : The Epic Hero1641 Words   |  7 PagesGilgamesh is an ancient Mesopotamian hero, featured in the famous tale of â€Å"The Epic of Gilgamesh†, who embarks on a perilous quest for immortality. 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After, doing my research I noticed it had to be one of the oldest epics written, but it appears to be more of a myth or dream. The history of this myth draws concern about culture and religion in Babylonian. The perspective I came to understand and focus was myths and dreams. The aspects involved the inner and outer struggles of problems that are essential to this time period. When I look at the science thatRead MoreAnalysis Of The Epic Of Gilgamesh 903 Words   |  4 Pagesgenre is more appropriate to Voltaire’s quote than the epic. Epics in media are presented with high stakes, memorable heroes, and thought-provoking messages. They originated in preliterate societies and among the first epics is the ancient Mesopotamian poem called â€Å"The Epic of Gilgamesh†. Written during the Third Dynasty of Ur, â€Å"Gilgamesh† tells the adventures of the eponymous king as he befriends an intended rival cr eated by a goddess, slays monsters, and embarks a personal and perilous quest for eternalRead MoreElements Of The Epic Of Gilgamesh918 Words   |  4 PagesThe epic hero has been part of world literature since time immemorial. Epic tales have contained within them, various elements that have helped define the genre. These tropes have existed at least since the writing of the ancient Mesopotamian text, The Epic of Gigamesh. These vital characteristics transcend region, as they have been employed in the literature of disparate parts of the world. These elements can be seen the Old English tale of Beowulf, as well as in the ancient Indian epic The Ramayana