Warriors and Seekers of Wisdom In the early stages of the world, leaders had a significant contribution towards the development of society. Their connection with the gods played a tremendous role in the beliefs and culture within civilization. In the Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh was a historical king of Uruk in Sumer in the Middle East around 2700 B.C. His circumstances are consistent with those of most epic heroes. He himself is part divine and he interacts with gods and goddesses. His story involves a series of adventures and superhuman victories. Due to his adventures and various dangerous encounters, Gilgamesh finds himself later on a quest to find the secrets of immortality. In the Bhagavad Gita, the leader of the Pandavas Arjuna faces …show more content…
He then seeks for wisdom and understanding for Krishna, the god of the universe, in order to find total realization. His journey consist of Krishna revealing who he is and the importance of self-control as well as how love serves as to assist understanding. Within both of these works of literature, the leader’s journey shifts from war to wisdom. Both display the idea that the role of kingship in ancient civilization was very important. The Epic of Gilgamesh portrays the warrior characteristics of Gilgamesh through his journey and encounters. The epic open with praise for Gilgamesh’s accomplishments and the statement, “I will proclaim to the world the deeds of Gilgamesh” (Standard, 3:1.1). The narrator goes on to describe the city of Uruk, suggesting that the burnt brick walls and the masonry are of great excellence. We then learn …show more content…
As Gilgamesh becomes saddened by the loss of this close friend Enkidu, he begins a journey to search for eternal life. The expedition takes Gilgamesh into the 12 leagues of darkness. Gilgamesh starts his trip and describes the scenery stating “At the end of five leagues, the darkness was thick and there was no light, he could see noting ahead and nothing behind him,” (Standard, 16; IV.14). Gilgamesh continues his journey to meet Urshanabi the Faraway, the only mortal to whom the gods have ever granted immortality. However, Urshanabi explains to Gilgamesh, “there is no permanence,” but goes on to reveal to Gilgamesh a secret herb of immortality (Standard. 18; IV.17). This meeting encourages Gilgamesh to search for the herb in order to receive. Just as he succeeds in finding an herb for eternal youth, a sly serpent steals the herb. As Gilgamesh journeys back to Uruk, he is forced to acknowledge his mortality, content with the literary immortality he achieves as a king whose story is carved into stone. It would seem Gilgamesh kingship aspects serves as importance I him becoming immortal simply by making a significant contribution to the greatness of his city. By pushing himself past disappointment and grief and focusing on the needs of his people, Gilgamesh triumphs and becomes an even nobler sort of hero. It is ultimately revealed that life without death would not offer the meaning it does.