Essay on The Epic of Gilgamesh versus The Epic of Beowulf

The Epic of Gilgamesh and Beowulf contain everything we can expect from a great epic literature. It portrays fantastic geographies, exotic characters, exhausting quests, heroic battles with monsters, supernatural beings and natural forces. Most important of all, they are two outstanding stories of a great epic hero who is compelled to meet his destiny and who rises to every challenge with courage and determination. Beowulf is the earliest surviving epic poem written in a modern European language. It was written in Old English sometime before the tenth century A.D. The poem describes the adventures of Beowulf, a Scandinavian warrior of the sixth century. Beowulf is described as a perfect hero who fights for his people and gets rid of†¦show more content†¦When he chopped off Grendels head, he carried it from the ocean with ease, but it took four men to lift the monster’s head and carry it back to Herot. This strength is a key trait of Beowulfs heroism. Like Beowulf, Gi lgamesh possessed great physical strength unmatched by any man. He also had insurmountable courage. Gilgamesh fought numerous battles that were considered impossible to win. Gilgamesh first destroys an evil monster known as Humbaba. Humbaba is feared by all who enter his cedar forest. Gilgamesh arrives and kills Humbaba with a sword given to him by the god Shamash. After killing Humbaba the goddess Ishtar sends The Bull of Heaven to destroy Gilgamesh. After the bull killed many of the townspeople Gilgamesh grabbed it by its tail and stabbed it in the back of its head. On his final quest for everlasting life Gilgamesh is attacked by a pack of lions. He takes an axe in one hand and a sword in the other and kills many of the lions, sending the rest fleeing in fear. Gilgamesh’s strength and courage is much like that of Beowulf. Another heroic value Beowulf possessed was his ability to put the welfare of others before his own. Beowulf was asked by the Danes to help rid them of an evil monster that was terrorizing their city. Beowulf showed gratitude and appreciated his people 0a1nd traveled far to face an awesome force that he believed heShow MoreRelatedBeowulf And The Epic Of Gilgamesh1667 Words   |  7 Pagesthe most widely known epic poems of their time were Beowulf and The Epic of Gilgamesh. Both Beowulf and Gilgamesh embody traits known exclusively of a hero. The poem of Beowulf and The Epic Gilgamesh both showcase the characteristics required of being an epic, in that they include a hero on a quest performing valorous deeds in an elevated style, while being protected by supernatural forces. The epic poem, Beowulf was based in the country of Denmark, while The Epic of Gilgamesh was based in a regionRead MoreThe Monsters Of The Epic Of Gilgamesh1623 Words   |  7 Pagesdescribed as a monster. Gilgamesh and Grendal seek to fulfill their monstrous desires motivated by ego and jealousy, but it is when one loses touch with their humanity that they become a monster. In The Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh is the two-thirds god, one-third man, king of Uruk. Since he is part god he is very strong and beautiful compared to the average man. In the beginning of the tale, the people of Uruk pray to the gods to send someone to deliver them because Gilgamesh slept with wives andRead MoreBeowulf And Gilgamesh Essay1975 Words   |  8 PagesEnglish Essay Compare the Beowulf poets presentation of the battles with Grendel and his mother with the Gilgamesh poets depiction of Gilgamesh battles with Huwawa and the Bull of Heaven. Fame and glory have been the most admirable characteristics in the middle Ages and even before Christ in the ancient civilizations. The epics of Gilgamesh and Beowulf are stories of heroism and immortality gained through fame. The aim of the main characters, Beowulf and Gilgamesh, is to be a good warrior byRead MoreBeowulf and Gilgamesh2014 Words   |  9 PagesEnglish Essay Compare the Beowulf poets presentation of the battles with Grendel and his mother with the Gilgamesh poets depiction of Gilgamesh battles with Huwawa and the Bull of Heaven. Fame and glory have been the most admirable characteristics in the middle Ages and even before Christ in the ancient civilizations. The epics of Gilgamesh and Beowulf are stories of heroism and immortality gained through fame. The aim of the main characters, Beowulf and Gilgamesh, is to be a good warrior byRead MoreEssay about Literary Analysis2349 Words   |  10 Pagesunderstand our temper – folks who are put in our life to round us into complete people. Eve and Enkidu are perfect examples of complementary personas. Both people serve to quench the personalities to which they provide counterpoint, Enkidu in showing Gilgamesh that he is not invincible and Eve in showing Adam that his companion in life will stick with him through thick and thin. It is by the actions and behaviors of these characters that we learn that no one is a complete person from the time of birth;Read MoreQuestion and Correct Answer7042 Words   |  29 Pagesstruggle do Gilgamesh and Enkidu represent? Answer | | | | | Selected Answer: |   Ã‚   Nature versus civilization | Correct Answer: |   Ã‚   Nature versus civilization | | | | | ï‚ · Question 4 2 out of 2 points | | | What is the Persian Zoroasters greatest contribution to religious thought?Answer | | | | | Selected Answer: |   Ã‚   The emphasis on free will | Correct Answer: |   Ã‚   The emphasis on free will | | | | | ï‚ · Question 5 2 out of 2 points | | | Why is the Epic of Gilgamesh