The two cultures I chose to compare heroic values for are the ancient stories of Gilgamesh and Beowulf. Although they possess many similar heroic characteristics they also differ greatly. Beowulf is often referred to as the first important work of literature in English, even though it was written in Old English. The world that Beowulf depicts and the heroic code of honor that defines much of the story is a relic of pre–Anglo-Saxon culture. The hero of The Epic of Gilgamesh was an actual historical figure, a king who reigned over the Sumerian city-state of Uruk around 2700 B.C.
In the epics Gilgamesh and Beowulf both heroes go on quest. Gilgamesh seeks eternal life, while Beowulf seeks glory. There are multiple steps to a Hero’s Journey, such …show more content…
Ishtar is upset and tells her father to release the Bull of Heaven to punish Gilgamesh. Enkindu and Gilgamesh fight the Bull of Heaven together. Gilgamesh kills the Bull with a sword. After defeating the Bull, Enkidu falls ill and suffers for twelve days before dying. Gilgamesh is upset for several days, he has now witnessed death and goes on a quest to seek immortality.
Enkidu’s death sent Gilgamesh on an adventure to fight death but he ultimately ended up learning his biggest lesson from Utnapishtim, who was granted immortality by the gods. Gilgamesh finds Utnapishtim and tells him that he wishes to attain immortality. Utnapishtim tells Gilgamesh that immortality is only for the gods. Gilgamesh learns to appreciate life every day and mortals must learn to accept death. Humans are meant to die. Gilgamesh finally leaves with Urshanabi to return to Uruk. He admires Uruk and appreciates his life and kingdom much …show more content…
Grendal is a horrible demon who lives in the swamplands of Hrothgar’s kingdom. Hrothgar calls upon a noble warrior, Beowulf. Beowulf is a warrior who is far better than any other warrior in fighting, skill and bravery. Beowulf knows that the kingdom of King Hrothgar needs his help so he departs his home in southern Sweden to Denmark. Among arriving to Denamrk, Beowulf and his men are greeted by the members of Hrothgar’s court. Unferth, a Danish than, doubts Beowulf’s past achievements. So Beowulf proves a point to him by fighting
In the epics Gilgamesh and Beowulf both heroes go on quest. Gilgamesh seeks eternal life, while Beowulf seeks glory. There are multiple steps to a Hero’s Journey, such …show more content…
Ishtar is upset and tells her father to release the Bull of Heaven to punish Gilgamesh. Enkindu and Gilgamesh fight the Bull of Heaven together. Gilgamesh kills the Bull with a sword. After defeating the Bull, Enkidu falls ill and suffers for twelve days before dying. Gilgamesh is upset for several days, he has now witnessed death and goes on a quest to seek immortality.
Enkidu’s death sent Gilgamesh on an adventure to fight death but he ultimately ended up learning his biggest lesson from Utnapishtim, who was granted immortality by the gods. Gilgamesh finds Utnapishtim and tells him that he wishes to attain immortality. Utnapishtim tells Gilgamesh that immortality is only for the gods. Gilgamesh learns to appreciate life every day and mortals must learn to accept death. Humans are meant to die. Gilgamesh finally leaves with Urshanabi to return to Uruk. He admires Uruk and appreciates his life and kingdom much …show more content…
Grendal is a horrible demon who lives in the swamplands of Hrothgar’s kingdom. Hrothgar calls upon a noble warrior, Beowulf. Beowulf is a warrior who is far better than any other warrior in fighting, skill and bravery. Beowulf knows that the kingdom of King Hrothgar needs his help so he departs his home in southern Sweden to Denmark. Among arriving to Denamrk, Beowulf and his men are greeted by the members of Hrothgar’s court. Unferth, a Danish than, doubts Beowulf’s past achievements. So Beowulf proves a point to him by fighting