The Transformation of Gilgamesh
Dana Maynard
Professor Adams
September 20, 2015
The Transformation of Gilgamesh in the Epic of Gilgamesh
In many literary works we see significant transitions in the hero's character as the story is developed. This is also true in the Epic of Gilgamesh with its hero, Gilgamesh. In this narrative poem, we get glimpses of who Gilgamesh is and what his purposes and goals are. Gilgamesh acts in many different ways -- as an overbearing ruler resented by his people, a courageous and strong fighter, a deflated, depressed man, and finally as a man who seems content with what he's accomplished. Through all of these transitions, we see Gilgamesh's attitude toward life change. The goals he ...
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leaves no virgin to her lover" (p.18, Line 23-27). The citizens respect him, but they resent his sexual and physical aggression, so they plead to the gods to alleviate some of their burden. The gods resolve to create an equal for Gilgamesh to tame him and keep him in line. This equal, Enkidu, has a huge emotional and physical change on Gilgamesh that affects him almost immediately. When they first meet, both having never before met a man equal in stature, they brawl. "They grappled with each other, snorting like bulls; they shattered the doorpost that the wall shook" (p.32, lines 15-18). In giving Gilgamesh a real battle, Enkidu instantly changes him; having this equal gives Gilgamesh a sense of respect for another man. These two men fighting each other creates a serious mess, but they both end up without animosity toward the other.
The next time we see them, their friendship is concrete. "They kissed one another (Gilgamesh and Enkidu), and formed a friendship" (p.33, line ...
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in his pre-adventure arrogance is that he is unafraid of death. He seems to almost welcome it as a way to gain fame and preserve his name. At this stage, he says "as for mankind, their days are numbered, whatever they do is but wind!" (p. 36, lines 142-143). He accepts his mortality without remorse.
Gilgamesh's view of life and death changes intensely in this story; it is perhaps the biggest transition that we see in him. After defeating Humbaba, humiliating Ishtar together, and killing the bull from heaven, Gilgamesh and Enkidu's friendship is further solidified. When Enkidu dies, Gilgamesh goes into a deep depression. "Enkidu, whom I loved so dearly, who went with me through all ...
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"The Transformation of Gilgamesh." Essayworld.com. November 18, 2015. Accessed April 19, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Transformation-of-Gilgamesh/105208.
"The Transformation of Gilgamesh." Essayworld.com. November 18, 2015. Accessed April 19, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Transformation-of-Gilgamesh/105208.
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