The Analysis of Gilgamesh

I believe The Epic of Gilgamesh should be considered the world’s first written epic as it reads true to all the literary elements of an epic piece. The plot contains a hero of superhuman strength, a mission which determines the fate of a nation and battles against monstrous foes.
This story contains a few different themes which seem to be universally represented in many works of literature. The epic cover tales of love, strength, humility, wisdom and death.
While Gilgamesh was young he lived as many young men have throughout history. He was strong, fearless, virile and foolish. As a king with no equal he lived as such. Young Gilgamesh was without any love, humility, or mature wisdom. Besides being a fearless warrior he lacked any traits or characteristics of a good king. He spent endless days in athletic contests and defeating all his competitors. Gilgamesh would lay with all the women of his land without regard to morals or ethics. If the tale was laid out as a human life from birth to death then this section would be his adolescence. He was energetic, rambunctious, and risk-taking. There was no consequences for his actions. Teens often have a need to push the limits of life to learn their physical and mental ends, coupled with the need for adventure cause dangerous actions and behavior.
As with most teenagers, later in the story he began to develop mentally, emotionally and socially. As a young adult does, he gradually increased his mental and emotional strengths. At this point his interest began to shift to the need for friendship and love. His story mimics the stages of life. Each journey he takes move him to a different life stage. After meeting his friend Enkidu, he began to evolve into adulthood. Later after Enkidu’s death he became wiser and mature.
He began as a brash, inconsiderate jerk and developed into a true king. His story actually causes me to reminisce and compare his story to my own life. I can relate to the changes and growth experienced by Gilgamesh. When I was a teenager, I was arrogant as Gilgamesh. My adolescence was filled with dangerous, risk taking behavior. He and I both constantly sought out challenges which proved our strength. Now I and growing up and realize the errors of my past.

Bibliography
Unknown. "The Epic of Gilgamesh." Assyrion International News Agency, n.d. Online Book. 27 Aug 2015.