Many readings we come across these days have similarities along with differences.
We have come across two epics that are great. The Iliad and Gilgamesh. These epics have similarities within the text that illustrate the theme likewise clues within the epics show some meaning behind the characters. Although the Iliad does no consist of as much repetition as Gilgamesh, the two both use repetitious patterns to get the point across. Sometimes while reading Gilgamesh one felt as if they had read that portion once before. This was a method that the author used in order to get the scenes to stick in the mind of the audience.
The Iliad did not consist of as many repetitious sequences. One of the major underlying themes that I feel both the epics possess is the theme of pursuit of glory. In the Iliad Homer strives to show that it is important to be glorious in order to be seen with respect.
The deeds that one shows during his/her lifetime with go on with them to the afterlife. This same theme shows through in Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh expolains to enkidu that he would rather die a glorious warrior rather than die doing something that really isn” t worth dying for.
As they defeat Humbaba , Gilgamesh feels as if he has done something great. Both epics also have a hero who prevails throughout the story. The Iliad has Achilles and Gilgamesh has Gilgamesh. Achilles is Prince of Phthia and the son of Peleus and Thetis. He is the main character in the Iliad.
Achilles shows his powers in the Trojan War where he comes out the fieriest warrior. On the battlefield, he cannot be stopped and is able to defeat entire armies single-handedly. Gilgamesh is the greatest warrior and the king of the city Uruk. Gilgamesh is the story of the hero’s growth to full maturity, as he develops through his friendship with Enkidu and his quests for renown and immortality. In the beginning of the book one realizes that Gilgamesh is an arrogant person. Gilgamesh is full of himself and abuses his rights as king.
the quest for immortality after the death of Enkidu shows that Gilgamesh has changed. Gilgamesh becomes frightened when he realizes that he isn” t immortal. After the death of Enkidu, Gilgamesh tries to find immortality by trying to cross the ocean to find it.
He sounds pathetic as he rambles of his reason for trying to find everlasting life. His state of being at this part in the book, which is the end, is completely different from his arrogant beginning of this epic. Gilgamesh has gone from arrogant to scared. To close, I feel that both epics close with very interesting endings. Many say that Gilgamesh does not change throughout the novel however, I feel that he did. The same also is relevant with with Achilles.
