THE EPIC OF GILGAMESH

Full Answer Section

   

• Mortality and the Search for Meaning:The epic deviates from a purely celebratory portrayal. As Gilgamesh confronts his own mortality, the focus shifts to the hero's quest for everlasting life. This existential struggle reflects a deeper human desire for meaning and permanence.

Gilgamesh's Transformation in the Second Half:

• Loss and Humility:The death of his best friend, Enkidu, forces Gilgamesh to confront his own mortality and the limitations of his strength. This loss humbles him and sets him on a new quest for knowledge and understanding.
• The Journey for Immortality:Gilgamesh undertakes a perilous journey seeking the secret to cheat death. While he ultimately fails to achieve physical immortality, his experiences lead to personal growth.

Achievements and Significance:

• Self-Awareness and Acceptance:Through his travels and encounters with figures like Utnapishtim, the sole survivor of the great flood, Gilgamesh gains wisdom and self-awareness. He accepts his mortality but finds meaning in the accomplishments of his reign and the legacy he leaves behind.
• Importance of the Journey:The epic emphasizes the value of the journey itself rather than the destination. Gilgamesh's transformation and newfound appreciation for life are more significant than achieving physical immortality.

Enduring Relevance: The Epic of Gilgamesh continues to resonate because it explores timeless themes:

• The human struggle with mortality.
• The search for meaning and purpose in life.
• The importance of personal growth and self-awareness.

By portraying the hero's transformation, the epic challenges the simplistic notion of the hero as just a powerful warrior. It offers a more nuanced perspective, highlighting the hero's journey of self-discovery and acceptance, which remains relevant even today.  

Sample Answer

   

The Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the oldest surviving works of literature, offers valuable insights into how early civilizations viewed heroism. Here's a breakdown of the hero's journey and its significance:

Early Civilization's Representation of the Hero:

• Strength and Power: Gilgamesh embodies the archetypal hero of early civilizations - a powerful warrior king, boasting superhuman strength and accomplishments. His initial portrayal reflects the emphasis on physical prowess and dominance valued in those societies.