Gilgamesh vs Beowulf:

Joseph Campbell once said, "When we quit thinking primarily about ourselves and our self-preservation, we undergo a truly heroic transformation of consciousness." Gilgamesh and Beowulf have a great power to release their strengths when needed. Therefore both Gilgamesh and Beowulf are examples of an epic hero due to battles they fight within themselves and seeking accomplishments in life; however, Beowulf is a better example because he is selfless.

Gilgamesh has had many battles to make him think he is the best. A major battle Gilgamesh has had was against himself. Gilgamesh hid his battle so abundantly that not a single person realized his toughest battle. That battle was him not believing he is mortal, “Only Gods are immortal anyway” (58.2). These two heroes have fought tremendous battles, but nobody sees their biggest battle that they have because it is within themselves; even though, Beowulf too had many battles in his life, but his battle made him the best. Beowulf had a major battle within himself as well as Gilgamesh did. Beowulf’s battle was to prove that he was great, he was doubted by Unferth. Unferth told Beowulf “You’ve been lucky in your battles, Beowulf, but I think your luck may change if you challenge Grendel” (27.258-259). With Unferth doubting him, Beowulf knew that this is the time to prove that he is worthy enough by helping the Danes out. Beowulf responds greatly by saying “I fought that beast’s last battle, left it floating lifeless in the sea” (28.290-291). He feels the necessity to prove not only to himself, but to the Danes that his battles are not of luck. His battles come from his skills, agility, awareness, and wisdom on how to get a successful victory well.

Gilgamesh wanted great accomplishments in his life. He wanted to prove that he was not a weak king and could take on difficult obstacles that no man has ever done before him. Gilgamesh and Enkidu, his best friend, went to the Cedar Forest. The Cedar Forest is guarded by a demon named Humbaba. The Cedar Forest was a place no man has never gone because they were too afraid of Humbaba. Gilgamesh took a stand to Humbaba with his best friend beside him. He defeated Humbaba by, “He raised his ax high and cut a perfect arc” (63.200) He was surprised himself that he had accomplished such an obstacle as great as this. Humbaba was on the ground lifeless and headless. Gilgamesh and Beowulf have proceeded to make many accomplishments that they are proud of. Although, Beowulf has had a few accomplishments he sought many more. Beowulf has taken on many difficult courses, that other men were too petrified to do so. Beowulf had achieved another great accomplishment by defeating Grendel “The battle was over. Only to die, to wait for the end” (34. 499&503) that battle brought great relief over the Danes. They felt as though they were finally safe from evil. Until, another accomplishment that happened. This battle had come from nowhere, Grendel’s mother seeking revenge on her son’s death. Grendel’s mother was no match for Beowulf; she had been defeated “Broke bones and all. Her body fell to the floor, lifeless” (37. 643-644)

Gilgamesh and Beowulf were selfish heroes, but Beowulf never let his arrogance get the best of him. Gilgamesh never thought of his kingdom or the people he stood for. Gilgamesh had once said “You cannot discourage me with fear and hesitations” (58.10-11). Gilgamesh only thought of himself, he let his conceitedness get the best of him. Despite Beowulf’s arrogance in himself, he is a selfless hero. Beowulf is the kind of hero who fights for his land from the pride within himself. He was “A good man who had gone repeatedly into combat and danger and came through” (44.693-694) Beowulf took to heart what others have said about him, with what people say it strives him to prove to people what he will do for them. Beowulf gave his last battle to the land of his people protecting them from the dragon. His last battle was a worthy battle he fought with his belief “By my courage, or else mortal combat, doom of battle, will bear your lord away” (44.686-687)

Gilgamesh had proven only to himself he was a great hero with his powers he had inside of him. Beowulf had released his powers for the good of the people and he let his powers be apparent. Therefore Beowulf is the better epic hero. He shows that he puts his land and people ahead of what shall be done for himself. He wants to protect his people from harm. To do so Beowulf is giving his life up for his people. That takes a lot of courage for any man to do so. Also he fights with honor, integrity, pride, and his land. That shows true heroism to anybody who wants to look up to a role model.