Table of Contents
Introduction
In this introduction, we will explore the concept of ____.
Talking about
Works cited
An opening statement
The Epic of Gilgamesh as well as The Odyssey deal with characters who question the possibility of their death. Both Odysseus and Gilgamesh are driven by glory and honor. These stories highlight how fame can influence how your life is in the Underworld. Your chances of having a happy afterlife are higher if you’re remembered by more people.
DiscussionSince Odysseus, Gilgamesh believes that the greatest honors in the afterlife are your heroic ones. Gilgamesh also had to learn the painful lesson of facing the reality that his death was inevitable. Both heroes believed that their eternal glory would be achieved through heroic circumstances and battle. Both these characters faced death with different lessons. Odysseus is confronted with death and Gilgmesh finds that what matters most is how we relate to others. He thinks that people will remember him for his heroic deeds if they die. He sees it as living forever. Enkidu tries convincing Gilgamesh that he will not fight. Gilgamesh counters that he cannot go up to heaven ?….But the days of people are numbered ….Even you, fearful of death, are here. Your bravery ….I must make you immortal.’ (The Epic of Gilgamesh 20).
Gilgamesh wants to be known for his unwavering devotion. Enkidu has been his enemy for many years. He is convinced that the battle with Gilgamesh will be a success. However, things change after Enkidu’s demise. Gilgamesh wants to live forever after Enkidu’s passing. Gilgamesh aspires to escape the death trap and learns from Utanapishtim how he can live forever. Utnapishtim’s suggestions to end his life and make him a careless person and his hopes for immortality and peace will lead to his death.
Utnapishtim informs Gilgamesh about the flood. He says that the seed of death is also in creation, which means death cannot be avoided. Utnapishtim explains to Gilgamesh about a flood. Gilgamesh does not listen. He still wants immortality. Utnapishtim instructed him to stay awake for six nights. Gilgamesh slept and woke up every night for seven days. His humanity meant that he failed the test. Utnapishtim advises him to stop living a lavish life and go home.
His greatest achievement was realized after he returned to Urk Gilgamesh. He built a civilization which will endure long after his passing. He did not require heroic remembrance. His legacy will be remembered by the people who built the walls that protected them. Odysseus faced death just like Gilgamesh. This crew took him to the Underworld. His mother was the first thing he saw. Odysseus is a man who seeks adventure and glory while his family is suffering.
His desire for glory gradually changes to the desire to return home after speaking with his mother. His central value shifts away from glory and towards family honor. He is determined to protect his children and wife. Odysseus will next be visited by Achilles the ghost, who was sent to The Underworld following his death in war. Although he is the king of the Underworld to his glory, he said that he regretted his decision. I’d prefer to be a slave in the underworld for another man.
Achilles was willing to sacrifice all of his joys in order to attain the abstract promise and glory. Surprisingly, he was still pleased to hear that his son is a great soldier, which shows how your family continues your legacy. Odysseus would have preferred to die on a battlefield but his encounter against Achilles made him realize that he should be savoring his home, his family and his friends. These stories can be combined. Odysseus looked at death initially when he was first born. The best life in hell was to fight in battle.
Odysseus learned that this may not always be true. He was able to see what was happening at home and he felt the need to return home to his family. Gilgamesh had a one-life-per-day attitude at first. Enkidu became Gilgamesh’s friend and he was able to become a better leader for his people. He was able learn to understand the Urk people and made connections with them. Both heroes believed that their eternal glory would be achieved through heroic circumstances and battle. Gilgamesh, who is now facing death, learns that fame does not measure life, but the amount of time he has spent with the people he surrounds himself. Greek culture is dependent on family. Family is about your heritage, not fame or glory.
Works citées
Homer, Fitzgerald, R., Erni, H., & Homer,. (1963). The Odyssey is an epic poem by Homer that tells the story of Odysseus’s journey home after the Trojan War. It is an adventure tale of gods and monsters, courage and deceit, and the struggle of a hero to return to his beloved wife and family. Garden City, N.Y: Anchor Books.
Sandars, N. K. (1972). The epic Gilgamesh. Harmondsworth: Penguin.
