Epic_of_Gilgamesh_Hero

What is a hero' A hero to a child would be anything from their favorite character on a television show to their favorite athlete, where as when asking an adult it could be their mother or father, Jesus, or maybe even a political figure like the president. The definition of a hero is all in the eyes of each individual. A hero is someone or something that will display courage and will even sacrifice themselves in the face of danger and difficulty. A hero is also someone who will intentionally overcome obstacles for the benefit of others. The courage and self sacrifice is judged by those around the person to determine if they believe what he or she has done was heroic. Heroes are very important in society for people to draw inspiration from for their everyday lives, business, and theirs and their families values. There are many different heroic figures in today’s society. Many people, especially teens, have heroes that are athletes or celebrities, or even rock stars. These “heroes” are not the ones that people should be admiring and looking after because many of them are in trouble with the law or are frequently on television because of their bad actions. People should be admiring the everyday individuals that pull people out of burning buildings, or are fighting in wars for the nation’s freedom, or even an individual’s parents that do everything in their power to provide a good life for their child. Those are the real heroes of today. The ones that are in it for the greater good, not just to benefit themselves. The people who give others strength to get through life’s difficulties. Pets can even be heroes to some people. For example, when a lady from Maryland choked on a piece of apple pie, her dog jumped and landed on her chest, forcing the food to come loose. Another is when the Keesling family from Indiana was about to be overcome by carbon monoxide, their cat clawed at the wife’s hair until she woke up and noticed it then called for help. This is a good example of how a person definition of heroism comes into play. To these families their animals are heroes because they might not still be there without the acts. In the Epic of Gilgamesh, some people would depict Gilgamesh as a true hero. On the other hand some could argue that the things he did were in the interests of himself and to better himself. Gilgamesh was someone who was a strong, powerful leader, who was stronger than any other, and who was two-thirds God. He showed skill, strength, admiration, and intelligence. Throughout the entire book, Gilgamesh show incredible leadership and skill. He would go fearlessly into battle to rid his people of harmful beasts and travel great distances to find answers that will help the people in his city. When looking for strength during battles, he turns to God and his friendship with Enkidu shows that he has loyalty for people. The Scorpion King said to Gilgamesh that “[n]ever [before], O Gilgamesh, was there [one like you,] never did anyone [travel the path] of the mountain” (p.73). This just shows how strong and skilled everyone thought he was, even those of high status. This also shows how not just any ordinary man can do what Gilgamesh can do. When Lady Ishtar brought down the Bull of Heaven, it started to terrorizing Uruk-the-Sheepfold and the people in it. When Gilgamesh saw this, with the help of Enkidu, he put a stop to the bull. The book states that “Gilgamesh like a butcher, brave and skillful, between the yoke of the horns and the slaughter-spot [he thrust in] his knife” (p.52). This just shows that when his city and people are in danger, Gilgamesh will go to get length and out of his way to defeat whatever is harming his people. This is a great trait of a hero. One that shows his loyalty to his people in time of need. To be a hero, it requires some intelligence and skill and Gilgamesh displayed intelligence throughout the whole epic. Gilgamesh shows that he has a sense of planning and observation throughout that keeps his people and himself safe. Most people believe that to be a good leader you have to show that you have power and that you will do what is best for your people in every way possible. When Gilgamesh went to fight Humbaba, he proved that he could be a good leader by showing everyone he could defeat some of the strongest beasts. Gilgamesh also showed that he had great skills that enabled him to be so successful in all of his battles. When talking to the tavern keeper, Gilgamesh talked about how him and Enkidu after “[having joined forces we climbed the] mountains, [seized and slew the Bull of Heaven,] [destroyed Humbaba, who dwelt in the Forest of] Cedar, [killed] lions [in the mountain passes]” (p. 77). This shows how many battles he has won that have help with the safety of his people. This also shows how he knows he did not get to where he is by himself and that he had the help of his great friend Enkidu. Gilgamesh shows that he does not take all the credit for that battles he has won, but shares it with Enkidu. He is showing that he is not selfish and is grateful of the help of others. He also is constantly asking for the God’s help when he goes into battles and after his battles he shows that he is grateful for their help. “after they had slain the Bull of Heaven, they bore its heart aloft and set it before Shamash. Stepping back they fell prostrate in the presence of the Sun God, then both of them together sat down” (p. 52). Gilgamesh does not take the Gods for granted and thanks them after they have helped him. This shows how much respect Gilgamesh has for the people and Gods around him. Gilgamesh was obviously a great hero to have his story passed on for years, but it is also clear once reading the Epic of Gilgamesh that he was indeed a true hero.