Larsen 1
Mark Larsen
Mrs. Anderson
Honors English IV
July 31, 2011
The Epic of Gilgamesh A man who wrestled giants, killed heavenly bulls, and even killed a herd of lions still was only man and never a god. Gilgamesh was a classic and may be one of the first epic heroes. He had many of the qualities that fit that role. On the other hand Enkidu fit more of an antihero than an epic one. The culture of the story, from what the book explains, took place at around the time of biblical times and A.D. Also there are many religious influences in the story that even intertwine with stories from the bible. You can tell that these religious comparisons came into the story because it was an oral tradition. Gilgamesh was a valiant hero who cared for his people and his companions. The story of Gilgamesh was a tremendous discovery for ancient literature. Gilgamesh was your typical epic hero. He was stronger than any man and the world. He was even two thirds god and one third man. Gilgamesh cared for his people and loved his best friend and they both never left each other’s side. Gilgamesh during his life knew no obstacles that he could not overcome. In the end he died, but he was able to fulfill his quest by finding the

Larsen 2 flower that granted eternal life, still to lose it to a snake. An epic hero can’t live forever and is still only man.
Enkidu was not your classic antihero, but when in comparison to Gilgamesh, he is not the epic hero. Enkidu was a fearful man and did not want to enter battle first against the giant Humbaba. Anti heroes do have fear and don’t always want to fight. He even died a way a hero shouldn’t die. He was ill and bedridden to the point of death. Enkidu said he was dying in shame because a true warrior dies on the battle field. He did have great strength, but Enkidu did not have the qualities of an epic hero, he had that