Erik Erikson’s stage theory of psychosocial development alludes to the moral dilemma many people experience later in life, the topic of ego integrity versus despair. Here, the stage describes how people of advanced age look back at his or her life positively or negatively with the legacy they may leave behind before passing away. In the c. 2000 BCE Sumerian epic poem, The Epic of Gilgamesh, the main character, Gilgamesh, battles with a similar form of identity crisis in an outline reminiscent of the Hero’s Journey, creating the overarching theme of independence versus honoring one’s place in society. As Gilgamesh seeks immortality through the paths of heroism, a gift from the gods, and wisdom, we see that Gilgamesh chooses this order because
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Both are detailed in the epic when Gilgamesh picks fights with the village men of Uruk and as he travels the distance of fifty leagues a day in order to reach the Forest of Cedar to slay Humbaba. The first act in which Gilgamesh attempts to attain some form of immortality is through the building of the wall around Uruk, a great act that he believes will cause him to be remembered for centuries. This marks the beginning of Gilgamesh’s quest for immortality as well as highlights his self-reliance and sense of pride. Ultimately, mirroring the process of character development seen in Gilgamesh throughout the poem, Gilgamesh comes to learn that more substantial acts will be necessary if he wants to attain …show more content…
Instead of craving immortality so that he is never forgotten by others, Gilgamesh now seeks immortality so that he himself does not have to face his greatest fear. To get out of his funk, Gilgamesh decides to leave behind a meaningful name for himself by choosing the path of wisdom and morality by seeking out more knowledge and immortality by seeking out the immortal Utnapishtim. In this part of the text the abyss stage from the hero’s journey cycle is very present. Here, his pride is shed and the timing of following this path is the root of what Enkidu wished for Gilgamesh: to be cognoscente of his behaviors and to consider changing his life to one with a higher value that gold and lapis lazuli cannot surpass. By leaving a legacy behind, the life of Gilgamesh is preserved, where he lives through the words of all men who tell his story, practically achieving immortality. The devolution of the epic shows in three stages of each path: independence::heroism, companionship::a gift from the gods, and
Both are detailed in the epic when Gilgamesh picks fights with the village men of Uruk and as he travels the distance of fifty leagues a day in order to reach the Forest of Cedar to slay Humbaba. The first act in which Gilgamesh attempts to attain some form of immortality is through the building of the wall around Uruk, a great act that he believes will cause him to be remembered for centuries. This marks the beginning of Gilgamesh’s quest for immortality as well as highlights his self-reliance and sense of pride. Ultimately, mirroring the process of character development seen in Gilgamesh throughout the poem, Gilgamesh comes to learn that more substantial acts will be necessary if he wants to attain …show more content…
Instead of craving immortality so that he is never forgotten by others, Gilgamesh now seeks immortality so that he himself does not have to face his greatest fear. To get out of his funk, Gilgamesh decides to leave behind a meaningful name for himself by choosing the path of wisdom and morality by seeking out more knowledge and immortality by seeking out the immortal Utnapishtim. In this part of the text the abyss stage from the hero’s journey cycle is very present. Here, his pride is shed and the timing of following this path is the root of what Enkidu wished for Gilgamesh: to be cognoscente of his behaviors and to consider changing his life to one with a higher value that gold and lapis lazuli cannot surpass. By leaving a legacy behind, the life of Gilgamesh is preserved, where he lives through the words of all men who tell his story, practically achieving immortality. The devolution of the epic shows in three stages of each path: independence::heroism, companionship::a gift from the gods, and