Gilgamesh is dead. And the men who are aware of the past are
saying: “Who has ever ruled with might and with power like him?”
And the Gods who know the future are saying: “of mankind…none
will leave a monument for generations to come to compare with
his.”
The world has seen the ideal king. The one that had never come
before and never will return. In strong-walled Uruk he was the
strongest brick. Greatest king of all was his title. Gilgamesh his
name.
With the death of its hero the Epic of Gilgamesh finds its end. The city of Uruk cries for its king. Indeed history tells us that tears of subordinates are often commanded when the ruler passes by. But this time it seems different. When the people of Uruk pray for their dead king it is not only a duty. It is the last honest thanks and payback for “the heart of Uruk”3. What has this king done to gain this outstanding love and admiration? What happened to this guy who was first presented to us as a cruel and egoistic autocrat
Table of Contents
1. The death of the hero and the legacy of the king
2. The transformation of Gilgamesh
3. The two journeys of the hero
3.1 The search for resources and honor
3.2 The spiritual journey and the encounter with death
4. The realization of humanity
5. The irony of mortality and the ideal king
Research Objectives and Themes
This essay explores the character development of Gilgamesh, analyzing how his transition from a tyrannical ruler to an ideal king is driven by his quest for immortality and his eventual acceptance of human mortality.
- The psychological evolution of the protagonist from egoistic autocrat to altruistic shepherd.
- Application of Joseph Campbell’s monomyth framework to the epic structure.
- The symbolic significance of the two journeys undertaken by Gilgamesh.
- The role of Enkidu's death as a catalyst for existential awareness.
- The philosophical reconciliation between divine aspirations and human limitations.
Excerpt from the Book
The transformation of Gilgamesh
Why has the perception of Gilgamesh so dramatically changed? Well, between both perceptions lays the journey of Gilgamesh. Like the monomyth of Joseph Campbell tells us, the hero will separate himself from his home (Uruk) to go on a journey, from which he returns with a gift (of the gods) for his people. By identifying this great boon we can expect to find the reason for the later special reputation of Gilgamesh once known as nuisance for the people of Uruk.
In fact, Gilgamesh was on two journeys. The first one into the forest – with his Friend Enkidu – can be read in different ways. The necessary search for resources. The Retelling of the Enuma Elish with the Marduk-like triumph over the alien God Humbaba or simply as a glorified story of friendship. Though for Gilgamesh this journey was first of all a possibility to gain honor and fame. Gilgamesh returns as a victor but probably his character didn’t change.
But then, Enkidu dies. And Gilgamesh has lost the only person which meant something to him expect himself. And the one who is searching for the ultimate glory led his craftsmen build a statue. Not for himself but for Enkidu – maybe the first thing Gilgamesh has ever done for another person. So far. But not only because of losing a friend the death of Enkidu should become a turning point in the life of Gilgamesh. Primarily it makes him aware of the ubiquity of death. The final destination where all ways are leading to. Even Gilgamesh who is two-thirds God has to share the fate of mankind. He walks on the every man’s path which knows no return. The awareness, the fear of death. Could there be a more powerful goad for a man who has not only seen his friend but also his youth already passing by?
Summary of Chapters
1. The death of the hero and the legacy of the king: This chapter introduces the mourning of Uruk for its fallen leader and contrasts his initial reputation as a tyrant with the profound love he earned by the end of his life.
2. The transformation of Gilgamesh: This section investigates the catalyst for the protagonist's behavioral shift, moving from self-centered arrogance to a sense of responsibility for his people.
3. The two journeys of the hero: This chapter analyzes the physical quest for glory and resources, followed by the secondary spiritual journey aimed at overcoming mortality.
4. The realization of humanity: The author discusses how Gilgamesh learns to accept his human fate, finding wisdom in the advice given by Siduri rather than pursuing godhood.
5. The irony of mortality and the ideal king: This concluding part reflects on how accepting death is the final requirement for Gilgamesh to be remembered as the ideal king.
Keywords
Gilgamesh, Uruk, Enkidu, Hero’s Journey, Joseph Campbell, Immortality, Mortality, Monomyth, Altruism, Siduri, Utnapishtim, Human condition, Ancient epic, Leadership, Civilization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this essay?
The essay examines the transformation of Gilgamesh from a cruel tyrant into an altruistic king, focusing on his personal growth throughout the epic.
What are the primary themes discussed?
Key themes include the hero’s journey, the fear of death, the meaning of human life, and the responsibilities of leadership.
What is the author’s central thesis?
The thesis posits that Gilgamesh achieves the status of an "ideal king" not by gaining immortality, but by fully accepting his humanity and serving his people.
Which theoretical framework is applied in the text?
The analysis utilizes Joseph Campbell's concept of the "monomyth" to structure the interpretation of Gilgamesh’s two distinct journeys.
How is the main body of the work organized?
The work is organized by tracing the two phases of Gilgamesh's journey—the initial pursuit of glory and the subsequent search for everlasting life—and their impact on his character.
Which keywords best define the analysis?
The essay is characterized by keywords such as Gilgamesh, mortality, human condition, monomyth, and legacy.
Why is the death of Enkidu considered a turning point?
Enkidu's death serves as the primary catalyst that forces Gilgamesh to confront his own mortality and the inevitability of death, shifting his focus from personal fame to existential understanding.
How does the author interpret the failed search for the "plant of youth"?
The failure to secure the plant is seen as a necessary realization that eternal youth is not meant for humanity, leading Gilgamesh to embrace his life as a mortal king.
- Quote paper
- Markus Hujara (Author), 2007, The best what we can be - Gilgamesh the hero who found himself, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/71985
