Times have changed. The ideals that were considered grand hundreds of years ago are now antiquated, archaic and dull. Years have passed, and technology, entertainment, religion, and government has been revised and modified to fit today’s standards. In addition, morals, ideas, and concepts have been altered. The same can be said about the definition of a hero. The ideal hero in older times differs from what modern Americans revere as a hero now. Even if a story has lasted through the ages, that does not mean the hero will appeal to today’s audience. In The Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh does not possess the qualities that would meet American standards of a hero. Heroes are supposed to set out intentionally to preform a deed with the objective
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His dependency is so strong that when Enkidu dies, Gilgamesh becomes a mourner. “Gilgamesh lamented; seven days and seven nights he wept for Enkidu.” He is lost in despair, and he cannot function without Enkidu by his side. He then embarks on a journey not to honor his friend but to preserve himself from dying. Heroes should not fear death. They should accept it as one of the stages of life. Gilgamesh blatantly states, “I am afraid of death.” Gilgamesh has fought guardians and creatures sent by the gods but in the end he was defeated by the mere thought of death. While Gilgamesh hunted for everlasting life, he came across Shamash. Shamash says to him, “You will never find the life for which you are searching.” Gilgamesh is searching for a life that excludes death so he does not have to live his life in fear.
Yesterday’s heroes do not always satisfy today’s ideals. Even if a tale or epic is taught and read in the modern world that does not mean it will appease modern Americans as a whole. Gilgamesh is not a hero. He is not a champion. He quails at silly fears, and relies too heavily on his companion. Gilgamesh lacks the ability to maintain timeless appeal so he does not interest the standards of our society now. Ancient heroes pale in comparison to the modern
His dependency is so strong that when Enkidu dies, Gilgamesh becomes a mourner. “Gilgamesh lamented; seven days and seven nights he wept for Enkidu.” He is lost in despair, and he cannot function without Enkidu by his side. He then embarks on a journey not to honor his friend but to preserve himself from dying. Heroes should not fear death. They should accept it as one of the stages of life. Gilgamesh blatantly states, “I am afraid of death.” Gilgamesh has fought guardians and creatures sent by the gods but in the end he was defeated by the mere thought of death. While Gilgamesh hunted for everlasting life, he came across Shamash. Shamash says to him, “You will never find the life for which you are searching.” Gilgamesh is searching for a life that excludes death so he does not have to live his life in fear.
Yesterday’s heroes do not always satisfy today’s ideals. Even if a tale or epic is taught and read in the modern world that does not mean it will appease modern Americans as a whole. Gilgamesh is not a hero. He is not a champion. He quails at silly fears, and relies too heavily on his companion. Gilgamesh lacks the ability to maintain timeless appeal so he does not interest the standards of our society now. Ancient heroes pale in comparison to the modern