Gilgamesh-Hero or Not

Many people in class earlier today stated that Gilgamesh was not a true hero, but I believe that Gilgamesh is.

What makes a hero?

1. A hero is someone of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities

Gilgamesh shows courage by fighting the terrifying Huwawa and the Bull of Heaven. Although he did need Enkidu to help him with his courage, he did fight the pain of the death of Enkidu and went through the twelve passes by himself. No mortal has ever gone through the twelve passes, showing how he was strong mentally and physically. Every pass would make it harder to breath and he had to walk all night, showing his physical strength. Although walking for a night would not be that difficult, Gilgamesh walks at great distances, which is shown in tablet IV where he walks one hundred fifty leagues in three days where a normal man would in three weeks. Not only is Gilgamesh physically strong, but he is mentally strong. Walking in the complete darkness ALONE is scary, and many people go crazy because of it. Gilgamesh was frightened and even weeped, but he is mentally stronger than any other mortal.

2. A person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or idea.

Although Gilgamesh is not a good role model at the beginning, he changes into a good one. Gilgamesh used to do whatever he wanted, but after the death of Enkidu, he changes. I would say that Gilgamesh would be my role model after tablet 8. Gilgamesh truly shows that he loves his dearest friend, Enkidu, that he is strong both mentally and physically, and he can fight many obstacles, even by himself. Gilgamesh shows heroism through his killing of Huwawa and defeating the Bull of Heaven. People would say that a hero is not selfish though, or at least does good for the good of others. Gilgamesh was selfish, but he changes. In tablet 11, Gilgamesh shows that he is not selfish by saying "I will give some of the plant to the elders there, to share among them"(80).

3. Classical Mythology.

a.	a being of godlike prowess and beneficence who often came to be honored as a divinity.

b.	(in the Homeric period) a warrior-chieftain of special strength, courage, or ability.

c.	(in later antiquity) an immortal being; demigod.

Many times in the reading, it will say that Gilgamesh is the king of Uruk and two-thirds god but one-third mortal. Since Gilgamesh is part god, part human, he is a demigod. Not only is Gilgamesh high is status, but he is incredibly strong and powerful. Gilgamesh shows courage, his ability to fight, and strength (as told before).