Write two paragraphs that analyze two points about why Gilgamesh is an epic hero. Be sure to use more than one example from the text to support each point. Select the links below to view the reading for reference.

Gilgamesh: A New English Version, Part 1
Gilgamesh: A New English Version, Part 2

gilgamesh is a hero by birth as the epic explains it. in the epic the birth is explained in the way which tells us that gilgamesh’s creation was made perfect by the contribution of various god and that signifies the goal in his life, which was to become a hero and save mankind. an example from the text says. "the glorious sun shamash bestowed upon him glory; adad the terrible god of storms bestowed upon him courage. the great gods perfected his magnificence beyond all others, terrible like the great wild bull. two thirds god they made him; one third man they made him." a man born with superhuman qualities and partly god is destined to be a hero.

the heroic deeds carried by him later in his life also prove the heroic character of gilgamesh. for example hi battle with the ultimate beast humbaba is a proof of his bravery and characteristic heroism. gilgamesh was warned about the beast as the text says about humbaba “whose roar is a flood, whose mouth is fire, whose breath is death". but with the superhuman strength gilgamesh did the job

Answer and Explanation:

We can say that Gilgamesh is an epic hero because of outstanding characteristics in his life and history, which point to common characteristics in epic heroes. Among these characteristics, we can mention that Gilgamesh belongs to the nobility. He is the king of a city located in Mesopotamia. Furthermore, he has a direct connection with deities, being himself more god than man. According to the story of Gilgamesh, he was only one-third human, but two-thirds of his makeup was divine, making him a demigod. Let's not forget that Gilgamesh was powerful and very strong, like every epic hero. His strength is proven when he kills a monstrous bull, impossible to be defeated by any man.

The entire journey of Gilgamesh is full of adventures, dangers, enemies and victories, which makes it an epic journey. Let's not forget that Gilgamesh enters this journey with a goal in mind, like every epic hero. Gilgamesh wants to achieve immortality. He fails to achieve this goal, but the journey he faces teaches him to be patient, wise, and a more honorable king than he was before. The honor that Gilgamesh presents at the end of the story and the wisdom with which he begins to rule his kingdom are two other great characteristics of an epic hero.