The Epic Of Gilgamesh, The Odyssey, And Beowulf - 1962 Words

In this argument essay, it consists of three texts: The Epic of Gilgamesh, The Odyssey, and Beowulf. During each of the characters journey, they face challenges such as fighting with monsters and with that they either develop a greater sense of mortality or a greater sense of identity. Mortality and identity are common themes in an epic that portrays the importance of character development from the effects of their heroic actions. Some epics result in mortality which means they know that they live to die, while others result in identity which is when they live to discover their own identity. Mortality is developed more effectively in The Epic of Gilgamesh and Beowulf, and identity is shown in The Odyssey. Monsters in these epics that†¦show more content†¦He is dust and I shall die also and be laid in the earth for ever (Sanders 25). After Enkidu dies, his guilt for wanting to kill Humbaba reminds him that Enkidu didn t deserve to die and that he was the one that should ve taken the punishment. This text passage proves the thesis by saying that after the battle with the monster, his perception of death changes compared to the beginning of the epic when he didn t have a fear of death and this has made him lose motivation to continue with his goals. Gilgamesh developed his character from the beginning and the end of the epic which is also portrays a theme of identity. At the beginning, he was known as an evil and selfish king, but as the epic continues to the end he becomes an admired leader. The passage is shown here when Gilgamesh says to Urshanabi the ferryman, Urshanabi, climb up on to the wall of Uruk, inspect its foundation terrace, and examine well the brickwork;, see if it is not of burnt bricks; and did not the seven wise men lay these foundations? One third of the whole is city, one third is garden, and one third is field, with the precinct of the goddess Ishtar. These parts and the precinct are all Uruk (Sanders 31). He wants to protect Uruk, his community, and is in the process of reconstructing from the flood s aftermath. This supports Gilgamesh s identity theme because he shows his new character as a helpful and kind leader who cares about the people in Uruk. Identity is not as anShow MoreRelatedThe Epic Of Gilga mesh, The Odyssey, And Beowulf854 Words   |  4 Pages Throughout the â€Å"Epic of Gilgamesh†, â€Å"Oedipus the King†, â€Å"The Odyssey†, and â€Å"Beowulf†, the readers notice how society defines each main character by their heroic characteristics, the relationship between the humans and the divine, and the differences of how each hero’s journey ends. Gilgamesh, Oedipus, Odysseus, and Beowulf display several characteristics classifying themselves as heroes. 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