Gilgamesh_and_Naram_Sin

When comparing and contrasting the characteristics of Gilgamesh and The Stele of Naram-sin, we are confronted with two very different rulers; however, both contain one incredibly colossal heart. To present three particular qualities which exactly describes Naram- Sin has daring similarities with Gilgamesh; therefore he is impeccably strong, heroic and self-assured. It is from three different depictions where these warriors meet halfway, because there undeniable selfless nature for wanting to always keep the ones they love safe ahead of themselves. To start off, there is one very striking similarity between both Gilgamesh and The Stele of Naram-Sin. Both stories talk of this “star” and both have to do with their own heroic efforts or quality endowed by the gods. This quality in particular has had an almost identical effect on “their” people’s perceptions of both leaders during their reign. With Gilgamesh, it is first discussed that he is of such novelty when Enkidu’s father compares Gilgamesh to a star, thus symbolizing god: “His father opened his mouth and said to the trapper “my son in Uruk lives Gilgamesh; no one has ever prevailed against him, he is strong as a star from heaven’” (pg.63). In this period, highly value relating everything of great importance back to the gods; therefore, by honoring Gilgamesh in this way they are beseeching the highest respect. Ironically, the perception drawn of Naram-Sin comes with almost the exact persona except in this rulers case it was published more so in writing: “ Hence forth his name appeared in texts preceded by the cuneiform sign derived from the image of a star, which functioned as the indicator that followed was the name of god”(pg.69). Nevertheless it is believed that both Gilgamesh and Naram-Sin were believed to be of such great authority they were practically considered a god.