GILGAMESH AND ODYSSEUS: DIFFERENT HEROIC IDEALS.

Gilgamesh and Odysseus: Different Heroic Ideals.

Gilgamesh and Odysseus: Different Heroic Ideals.

Introduction

In this essay I am going to deal with the two epic texts called: "The Epic of Gilgamesh" and Homer's "Odyssey". For both texts, I will discuss the value of "heroism". In each of the texts there is a protagonist as a hero, these are Gilgamesh and Odysseus.

Analysis

Tragic heroes and epic heroes possess similar characteristics and their ultimate outcome is determined by fate. Some heroic characteristics of tragic heroes include the desire of finding the truth no matter the consequences. Secondly, it includes the desire and will power to set the wrong things right. (Tole 2005) Another characteristic of tragic heroes is the act of maintaining a high standard of principle, that is, making sure everything is set in order and nothing is left undone. From this, it can be said that tragic hero's response always move in the direction of the truth.

"Odysseus, of Homer's The Odyssey, is an appropriate hero and ruler of Ithaca. He does not act irrationally but contemplates his actions and their implications. Odysseus is a perfect example of a hero because he embodies the values of bravery, intelligence and competency. Odysseus is an appropriate ruler for Ithaca by virtue of his hereditary right to kingship as well as his diplomatic skills, familiarity with his male subjects, discipline, and his impartiality and compassion. (Bittlestone 2005)

In the Odyssey, Homer depicts Odysseus as a very brave character: He must be brave in order to be a hero. "You must not cling to your boyhood any longer; it's time you were a man. Haven't you heard what glory Prince Orestes won throughout the world when he killed that cunning, murderous Aegisthus, who'd killed his famous father? And you, my friend;how tall and handsome I see you now; be brave, you too, so men to come will sing your praises down the years." (Damrosch 2007). The values and expectations of Greek society are very clearly indicated in this quotation.

While Odysseus is trying to return home from Ilium, there were lots of men attempting to persuade his wife to marry them these are the suitors. And at the home there is his son, Telemachus who has to deal with the suitors. He is waiting his father with his mom Penelope and he don't know even if Odysseus is alive or not. Odysseus' wisdom is won Athena's support, which is also impressed by his battle heroics, and so she decides to help Telemachus and Odyyseus. She become Mentes and she showsTelemachus what to do, she does that because she is thinking Odysseus and his sake, and she wants Telemachus to be like his dead. Also she don't want him to dissapoint his father. With Athena's assistance, Odysseus becomes a true hero. Even in the first four books we feel the heroic character of Odysseus. Goddess and gods are allways with him and everybody talks about him and his deeds.

In The Epic of Gilgamesh, the character, Gilgamesh, is also ...