Heroes in Combat

A hero has many qualities not limited to physical strength and intelligence but also including the important qualities of a good man, friend, husband, and son. A hero can admit his or her flaws and demonstrate intelligence. Both Gilgamesh and Odysseus share these qualities in one way or another.

Gilgamesh showed his strength and courage by aiding his friend, Enkidu during their journey to battle Humbaba. Together, Gilgamesh and Enkidu became heroic. Odysseus tended to rely more on himself and on the gods but never failed to show his heroism with his actions during his journey back to Troy and his dedication to his wife, Penelope and son Telemachus.Gilgamesh and Enkidu, initially enemies, realized their physical strength was matched in combat and with a kiss sealed their friendship.

Gilgamesh defines himself as a hero, wanting more than anything, to have people remember him after his death. Before Gilgamesh set off on his journey to battle with Humbaba, the people of the city as well as the counselors blessed and warned him, "Do not trust too much in your own strength, be watchful, restrain your blows at first" (20). They also advise him to, "...let Enkidu lead the way, he knows the road to the forest, he has seen Humbaba and is experienced in battles.

.."(20). However, it is Gilgamesh who helps Enkidu when he becomes fearful of continuing on their journey.

Gilgamesh calmly informs his friend,"Dear friend, do not speak like a coward. Have we got the better of so many dangers and travelled so far, to turn back at last. You, who are tried in wars and battles, hold close to me now and you will feel no fear of death; keep beside me and your weakness will pass, the trembling will leave your hand. Would my friend rather stay behind? No, we will go down together into the heart of the forest. Let your courage be roused by the battle to come; forget death and follow me, a man resolute in action, but one who is not foolhardy. When two go together each will protect himself and shield his companion, and if they fall they leave an enduring name"(20).

This quote is important in order to see the emotion and compassion shared between these two friends. Part of being a hero requires helping a friend when they are in need of guidance or courage. Being able to admit Enkidu's fears and flaws to Gilgamesh, demonstrates how comfortable he is with Gilgamesh's company and companionship. Both Gilgamesh and Enkidu have doubts, flaws, and weaknesses while they continue with their journey, and yet help each other by talking and accompanying one another.Enkidu says to Gilgamesh, "O my lord, you do not know this monster and that is the reason you are not afraid"(22).

Enkidu admits that he is frightened and shows his weakness by stating that he "...will go back to the city.

I will tell the lady your mother all your glorious deeds till she shouts for joy: and then I will tell the death that followed till she weeps for bitterness" (22). Gilgamesh is then shown as a courageous lord by saying to Enkidu, "Take your axe in your hand and attack. He who leaves the fight unfinished is not at peace"(22).On Odysseus' long journey back to his home in Troy, he came across more than one obstacle but like Gilgamesh and Enkidu he also never gave up hope. However, Enkidu and Gilgamesh's journey tested more of their friendship and the strength in that friendship which helped them to succeed.

In contrast, Odysseus relied mostly on himself, rather than his men to accomplish the journey home. When the Kyklops, Polyphemus, intimidated Odysseus and his men, the only man brave enough to find his voice was Odysseus."We are from Troy, Akhaians, blown off course by shifting gales on the Great South Sea; homeward bound, but taking routes and ways uncommon; so the will of Zeus would have it. We served under Agamemnon, son of Atreus-the whole world knows what city he laid waste, what armies he destroyed. It was our luck to come here; here we stand, beholden for your help, or any gifts you give-as custom is to honor strangers.

We would entreat you, great Sir, have a care for the gods' courtesy; Zeus will avenge the unoffending guest." (325)However, the Kyklops was left unimpressed and replied by splattering two of his men, like dolls, against the floor. Odysseus and his men prayed to Zeus, and in a bit of haste Odysseus wanted to kill the Kyklops. Odysseus' moment of weakness challenged his irrational thinking, which overtook his usual sensible thoughts. Once he realized that he would be unable to do so because it would leave him and his men trapped in the cave, he calmed down and waited until morning.

This is an example of Odysseus' extraordinary strength, where he relies more on his mind than his muscles, which also exemplifies his heroism.In contrast with Odysseus' extraordinary power of being able to rely on his mind rather than his strength, Gilgamesh and Enkidu relied more on their courage and physical strength to defend themselves against Humbaba. They used axes and swords to battle Humbaba. After much bloodshed and anxiety, Gilgamesh once again takes the advice of his friend, Enkidu and he "...

took the axe in his hand, he drew the sword from his belt, and he struck Humbaba with a thrust of the sword to the neck, and Enkidu his comrade struck the second blow. At the third blow Humbaba fell"(23). Gilgamesh's actions during the battle of Humbaba show more than a man's need for attention or satisfaction. It shows his heroism in ways that no ordinary man could show. From that moment on, Gilgamesh was not only talking about what he was going to do, but also actually accomplishing his word in an heroic way.Gilgamesh and Enkidu set out on their journey with the people of Uruk's blessing and accomplished similar to Odysseus achievement.

Odysseus' proceedings throughout the Odyssey included: his trip to the Land of the Lotus Eaters, his encounter with Polyphemus the Kyklops, his unwilling love affair with the witch-goddess Circe, his enticement by the deadly Sirens, his voyage into Hades to consult Tiresias and his fight with the sea monsters Syclla. Surviving these encounters along the way, almost believing that his arrival in his wife's arms was never going to occur and still continuing, proves how focused and determined Odysseus was.Gilgamesh learned many things from Enkidu including friendship, wisdom, and sacrifice. During the journey, Shamash teaches him humbleness and from Uta-napishti about stoicism, resignation, responsibility, and humanity. More importantly, he evaluates himself and becomes aware of who he was and who he is becoming. He is no longer known as the tyrant or the irresponsible, selfish youth.

Gilgamesh finally learns his place within the hierarchies of man and god, which shapes a hero out of him. The achievements in battle, including the defeat of Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven and also a lengthy and difficult journey with the involvement of gods, Ea, Enlil, Ishtar and Shamash are proof of the heroes' determined persistence.The journey is what "sets Gilgamesh apart from the more straightforward heroic narratives...

" and is what transformed him from a tyrant to a hero (12). Primarily, Gilgamesh was a young adolescent who seemed to not realize the duties of a king or what made a hero heroic. Enkidu not only eased Gilgamesh's loneliness but also helped him to be someone that would be remembered as being noble-- which achieved his hopes and dreams. We found out as the epic ends that "his consolation is the assurance that his worldly accomplishments will endure beyond his own lifetime." (12) The complete transformation of Gilgamesh becoming a hero was not only the battle against Humbaba but also the difficulty he felt losing his confidant, Enkidu.The conclusion of Gilgamesh leaves him a better man and hero not only in his own opinion but also in the opinion of the people of Uruk.

He revealed a selfish, negative man in the beginning of the epic but has a positive change, which shows his strength and heroism. Odysseus never changed his intentions and passion for returning to his wife, which is courageous and heroic, especially shown in his actions throughout his journey. Both men experienced life-changing knowledge that shaped heroes out of them.