The Transformation of Gilgamesh

Introduction

The Epic of Gilgamesh is perhaps one of the most revered literary works remaining from ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, hence treated with the respect it deserves. According to legend, the literary piece was found among ruins in Ninevah dating all the way back to 2000 B.C, in the form of twelve well-preserved tablets. The poem talks of mythologies, gods and heroism, and kings. It has a number of characters incorporated but the protagonists are Gilgamesh, the tyrant king of the city of Uruk and the barbaric man Endiku who is sent by the gods in answer to the prayers of Gilgamesh's people, in order to challenge Gilgamesh's rule. However, the wrestling match through which the outcome is anticipated ends in a tie, and Gilgamesh and Endiku end up becoming friends. The poem articulates their journey and adventures taken together, and their personal growth and experiences. While on a journey, the two confront a monster named Humbaka. Endiku is successful in conquering the monster but the gods, who consider his purpose fulfilled, take his life. Gilgamesh is then seen as a broken shell of a man as he mourns the loss of his friend. It is a common trait in many literary works to show momentous transitions in the protagonist's character evolving as the story develops into its levels. This remains true for the Epic of Gilgamesh as well, as the reader is afforded foretaste of the character of Gilgamesh and his goals and objectives throughout the course of the poem. His is the character that evolves the most, transitioning through being an overbearing sovereign of the city of Uruk, to a competent and defiant fighter, and then to a compassionate friend and ally to Endiku, after whose death Gilgamesh is seen as a somewhat deflated figure going through the motions. Throughout the course of the poem, the reader witness dramatic changes in the behavior of Gilgamesh, from someone who is unlikable and resented, to a strong figure, to a depressed man grieving the loss of a friend, to a content human being, and all these stages will be carefully analyzed in this paper.

Discussion and Analysis

Gilgamesh's approach towards his life is ever changing, as mentioned above. As a story of over 4000 years ago, it is read by scholars, psychologists, students, parents, and so on, and is understood in a unique manner while remaining true to the moral. The Epic of Gilgamesh starts with a very specific goal in mind, for the time being. The men of Uruk give their description of Gilgamesh; unnamed men state "I will proclaim to the world the deeds of Gilgamesh" (pp. 61. According to history, the actions of Gilgamesh happened way in the past and, on his return, Gilgamesh has engraved his adventures and stories on a clay tablet. As the story begins, one is reminded of the larger-than-life quality of the story of Gilgamesh. As the men of his city describe him as a cruel leader, one is given leave to despise ...