A Comparison between the Heroes in Gilgamesh and the Odyssey

A Comparison between the Heroes in Gilgamesh and the Odyssey Student’s Name Institution Date Introduction Odysseus and Gilgamesh are two heroic characters that lived in different periods and both of them were striving to find the meaning of existence. The Gilgamesh epic has its origins in early Mesopotamia while the Odyssey epic has its roots in early historic Greece. Even though time passed, both the Odyssey and Gilgamesh have remained relevant and highly popular and have been referenced due to its significance by scholars worldwide. Numerous lessons can be drawn from the epics of Gilgamesh and the Odyssey and the most important ones are the manner that Odysseus and Gilgamesh were regarded by their societies and also how they overcame their personal struggles. The paper will clearly illustrate the differences and similarities between Gilgamesh and Odysseus as heroic characters. It will also highlight the manner that their actions, virtues, and values allowed them to stand out as heroes in their specific time frames and societies. Analysis of the similarities and differences been Odysseus and Gilgamesh The epics of the Odyssey and Gilgamesh display numerous instances of similarities on heroes in both the Greek and Mesopotamian culture. Both of these characters lived during different periods however, they had charismatic which was inspiring especially to their people. In the epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh ruled Uruk which was in Babylonia while Odysseus was the ruler of Ithaca. Gilgamesh was highly confident in his abilities especially in the battles that he fought (Serracino-Inglott, 1965). His people knew that he would protect their freedoms against any external threats from neighboring regions. Odysseus however was self-confident and mentally gifted but significantly lacked physical strength that Gilgamesh possessed. As for Odysseus, he utilized his wits and strategies to deliver victory to his people in the Trojan War (Robert, 2004). During this war, Odysseus was faced with an enormous challenge of instant death especially if he was captured by the enemy but he preserved and invaded Troy despite the looming threats that faced him. Both Odysseus and Gilgamesh possessed divine endowment. An in-depth analysis of the life of Gilgamesh reveals that he was divinely endowed which was also evident for his mother who was a famous goddess, Ninsun in Mesopotamia (Jeffrey, 2002). This provided him with the much needed spiritual and physical strength which was highly uncommon among the people in Mesopotamia who followed Gilgamesh’s rule. This was also evident with Odysseus even though he had no significant physical strength but possessed great skill which was in complete opposition to the people under his reign. By using his mental fortitude, Odysseus had the ability to make decisions that would save the Greeks from damnation (Theodore, 1891). The ancient Greek and Mesopotamian people were significantly dependent on the supernatural. These societies had supernatural heroes that would safeguard the lives of their people and also provide protection to them against monsters and other evil elements of the society. For the objective of achieving their duty of protecting the people, the two heroic figures utilized strategy and intellect effect...