In several heroic novels, the hero goes through significant changes as the story progresses. This is also the case for the story, “The Epic of Gilgamesh”. At the beginning of the poem, people learn Gilgamesh’s personality and what his mission and principles are. He goes through life-changing experiences that make his perception of life change for the better. Throughout the telling of this story, this poem displays the character development of the self-motivated Gilgamesh. Throughout the book, the readers experience Gilgamesh’s character in many different ways – as a ruthless king disliked by the people of Urak, a fearful and mighty fighter, a drained, unhappy man, and finally a man who is satisfied with himself.
The epic story starts when the people of Urak complain to the Gods that Gilgamesh is a hostile ruler. He forces warriors to fight whenever he …show more content…
He wants to be known that he did well in his life. This backfires on him because this comes from a sense of pride and arrogance. Doing well out of doing well is one thing but bragging about it is another. Gilgamesh is not afraid of death. He wants to leave a legacy as a protector of his people, gaining him fame. Enkidu communicates to Gilgamesh that there is a terrifying journey he wants to go on. Enkidu is hesitant to go on the journey but because of his pride they both go together since he is not afraid of death to kill the demons and bring cedar trees to his people for survival.
Gilgamesh’s attitude changed his perspective on life and death after the journey. After slaughtering Huwawa and slaying the bull from heaven, their friendship has grown strong. One of the biggest changes we see in Gilgamesh is when Enkidu dies and Gilgamesh goes into mourning. It was terrible when Gilgamesh lost his little brother Enkidu. Aware of his compassion for people now, he walks around knowing how people feel, trying to make them not feel the pain that once