Literary Comparisons: Homer's Odyssey and the Epic of Gilgamesh

"Homer's Odyssey and the Epic of Gilgamesh are renowned mythological narratives that have bestowed heroic status upon their characters. By comparing these two mythological heroes through the lens of literature, we can gain insight into the uniqueness of their traits and heroic ideals. The literary analysis of The Epic of Gilgamesh and The Odyssey has facilitated the discovery of both the similarities and differences they share, expounding on these aspects within the essay.

Both The Epic of Gilgamesh and The Odyssey are presented in a manner that allows us to comprehend the ancient depiction of the heroes and their companions. As we read these epics, vivid imagery unfolds in our minds, connecting us with their context and the era in which they were written. Despite their common theme of a lost man finding his way, the two epics diverge significantly in their writing styles, character details, and fundamental themes. Each narrates the story of a man's journey towards self-discovery. This paper aims to delve into the journeys undertaken by the protagonists, focusing particularly on the transformations of Gilgamesh and Odysseus throughout their adventures. Such an exploration may shed light on the values and beliefs of people from bygone centuries.

Literary Analysis of 'The Odyssey' and 'The Epic of Gilgamesh'

The Epic of Gilgamesh and The Odyssey recount the tales of ordinary men from ancient Mesopotamia and Greece, respectively, who were endowed with extraordinary strengths. However, as they traversed through life, they committed errors just like any other mortal. Gilgamesh, the hero of the epic bearing his name, was the king of Uruk in Babylonia. Though he possessed great strength, he was known for his harshness and his habit of deflowering brides on their wedding nights. Initially, he lacked compassion for his people, choosing to rule over them without protecting them. In contrast, Odysseus, the hero of The Odyssey, ruled the island kingdom of Ithaca and was a renowned Greek leader of the Trojan War. He was a man of intellect, granted mental strengths, passionate about acquiring knowledge and experiences. Unlike Gilgamesh, Odysseus was wholly human and moral, devoid of divine ancestry. Throughout his arduous journey back home, he encountered various challenges, facing numerous monsters with steadfast determination. His loyalty endeared him to the people, earning their love and respect.

The epics of Gilgamesh and Odysseus depict the stories of two heroic figures from distinct historical periods, both seeking the essence of life while interacting with deities and mortals alike. Gilgamesh, a semi-mythic king of Uruk from early Mesopotamia, and Odysseus, an epic hero of early Greece, share similarities in their heroic quests while also exhibiting differences in their character traits and the nature of the challenges they encounter.

Gilgamesh was deeply significant to the historians of Mesopotamian culture, being accorded divine recognition as a god due to his heroism. Similarly, Odysseus, often depicted in Greek mythology as godlike, was a highly popular hero. However, the differences in their journeys are notable, as everything that happened to Gilgamesh was a result of his own actions, whereas Odysseus faced trials considered to be the product of unfortunate fate.

Although both Gilgamesh and Odysseus possess godlike qualities that aid them in overcoming supernatural enemies, they are still fallible and sometimes make careless decisions like any ordinary man. Their experiences lead them to introspection and teach important life lessons. Both tales feature women as a source of challenges, with Gilgamesh and Enkidu facing the Bull of Heaven sent by a goddess, and Odysseus contending with various goddesses. These stories serve as mirrors through which we can glean life lessons relevant to the challenges we face.

The paper delves into the reasons that compelled these epic heroes to leave their homelands. Odysseus, for instance, was forced to join the Trojan War despite his initial desire to remain in Ithaca. On the other hand, Gilgamesh willingly embarks on his journey, driven by various motivations, including the quest for recognition and admiration from others. These motivations underscore the differences between the cultures of Ancient Greece and Sumer. The Greeks emphasized devotion to home and family, while the Sumerians valued power and glory. Furthermore, the journeys undertaken by both Odysseus and Gilgamesh brought about significant changes in their characters. Odysseus encountered numerous challenges during his travels, sometimes employing cunning, brutality, and even cruelty to survive and return home. Despite facing hardships, he remains loyal to his family. In contrast, Gilgamesh undergoes profound changes during his adventures, particularly in accepting his mortality. Odysseus never seeks godlike status, whereas Gilgamesh initially pursues attention but eventually experiences a transformation driven by love for his friend Enkidu and insights gained from the flood of Utanapishtim.

The tales of Odysseus and Gilgamesh both highlight heroism, exemplifying sheer mental and physical strength. They face death-defying journeys with bravery and honor, although their motivations and character developments differ significantly. While Odysseus displays selflessness and concern for his people, Gilgamesh seeks validation through acts of violence, emphasizing his thirst for attention. However, a profound event, the death of Gilgamesh's close friend Enkidu, brings about a change in his motivations, leading him to a more enlightened perspective. The experiences of both heroes convey essential cultural differences between ancient Greece and Sumer. The Greeks acknowledged the limits of humanity, while Sumerians allowed individuals to claim divine status.

Summary and Conclusion

Both Odysseus and Gilgamesh undergo a journey that shapes them into heroes, transforming their flaws into strengths and making them better leaders. True leaders should be comfortable with solitude and capable of acting independently. Both characters experience periods of isolation and overwhelming loneliness. Gilgamesh initially copes with loneliness through tyrannical behavior, ignoring his responsibilities as a king. Following Enkidu's death, he experiences deep despair, feeling a lack of purpose. Similarly, Odysseus finds himself stranded on an island with Calypso for seven years, desperately yearning to return to his wife and son. However, their journeys and trials eventually mold them into heroes and leaders.

The overarching theme of heroism in these epic stories is striking. Both heroes exhibit immense power and supremacy, providing readers with a mix of intellectual and heroic physical strength. Despite facing death and enduring trying journeys, both Odysseus and Gilgamesh emerge as heroes and leaders. They demonstrate that anyone can attain heroic attributes through facing challenges and learning from experiences. Nonetheless, notable differences exist between Odysseus and Gilgamesh. The latter is associated with manipulative behaviors, while the former displays care and concern for those around him."