Abstract The central idea to this essay is to inform the reader that the character Gilgamesh in “The Epic of Gilgamesh” embodies all of the traits necessary to be a hero. He not only has all the traits to be a hero but he sets the bar high because he leaves a legacy. All of his traits come together through his journey to find immortality. He goes on a journey ultimately at the end for immortality and at the end of it decides not to become young again because he no longer fears death. He then ultimately leaves a legacy through the people and city of Uruk and comes to this realization while gazing at the walls of the city. This is what makes Gilgamesh the ideal iconic hero he is. Epic Gilgamesh Defining a hero is difficult …show more content…
To start things off he is actually two-thirds god and one-third human, as if that doesn’t give him a big enough ego to not worry about death, he is also the most masculine great warrior around and no one can even compare to him not even Humbaba the guardian of the Cedar Forest, or Enkidu whom is the only person who comes relatively close. Gilgamesh killed the great Humbaba with Enkidu’s help but that was still something that everyone thought would have them dead. “Humbaba – his roaring is the Great Flood. His mouth is fire, His breath is Death! Why do you wish to do such a thing?’ No one is a match to struggle with Humbaba’”(Tablet 3). This is what the elders of Uruk said to Gilgamesh before he went to fight Humbaba and it still did not phase him because he was not afraid to die. He did become frightened upon seeing Humbaba but still did not back down. In addition he also kills the Bull of Heaven. After doing so he proclaims to the people of Uruk, “Who is the most splendid among the heroes? Who is the most glorious among men?’ Who has strength and courage no one can match? ‘Gilgamesh is the most splendid among heroes! Gilgamesh is the most glorious among men’”(Tablet 6). Gilgamesh shows almost no fear especially when partnered with Enkidu; he even calls himself a