The epic poem, The Epic of Gilgamesh, translated by N.K. Sandars, tells the story of the ancient king of Uruk, Gilgamesh, and his desperate search to immortalize himself. The Indian epic, The Ramayana, written by R.K. Narayan, recounts the tale of Rama, who is the incarnation of Vishnu sent down to destroy Ravana and bring peace to the world. Both of these individuals are considered ancient heroes by modern standards. Heroes are individuals that humanity looks up to as superior beings, but who are also relatable. A hero is defined as “a being of godlike prowess and beneficence”, who also displays flaws that he or she struggles with but ends up resolving in the end (Hero, n.d.). Despite living thousands of years and miles apart, Gilgamesh and Rama exhibit the same heroic attributes: superhuman accomplishments, an inclination to help others, and are flawed by pride.
Superhuman Accomplishments Gilgamesh’s superhuman
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Gilgamesh is able to see through the gritty, savage-like exterior of Enkidu and Humbaba and empathize with them. Gilgamesh extends his love for and acceptance of Enkidu, who is like a brother to him, to Humbaba who shared many similarities in upbringing to Enkidu. “O Enkidu, should not the snared bird return to its nest and the captive man return to his mother’s arms?” (Gilgamesh, 1972, p. 82) Also, when Gilgamesh attains “The Old Men Are Young Again” fruit, he immediately decides to take it back to Uruk, instead of eating the fruit himself. “I will take it to Uruk…I will give it to the old men to eat…and at last I shall eat it myself and have back all my lost youth” (p. 116). Even though the fruit’s power is the whole reason why Gilgamesh decided to go on the trip, Gilgamesh opts for sharing the fruit with the people of Uruk. His decision to be the last one to eat from the fruit is evidence of how much he cares for his