Epic of Gilgamesh :: essays research papers

The Change in GilgameshEver since the beginning of time, man has intimate to mature by trials and tribulations. In the beginning of The Epic of Gilgamesh, the protagonist Gilgamesh appears to be an arrogant mortal who only cares about himself. He abuses entirely his powers and takes advantage of people with his physical abilities. Basically in the beginning he thinks that no one on earth is better than him. However, just like all epic poems, the protagonist encounters many challenges that make him a better person. So as the story progresses Gilgamesh slowly starts to transfer his personality. Various eveningts help transubstantiate this tyrant to a humble person.In the beginning of the book, Gilgamesh appears to be selfish. Gilgameshs arrogance has no bounds by day or iniquity (62). Even though he is created by the Gods to be perfect, he misuses his powers and gifts for his induce earthly pleasure. He has sexual intercourse with all the virgins of his city even if they are a lready engaged. with all Gilgameshs imperfections and faults, he learns to change his amoral personality. The friendship of Enkidu helped to change his ways, for only Enkidu, who is the strongest of wild creatures, (66) is a match for Gilgamesh. Through this companionship with Enkidu, Gilgamesh starts to realize his incapabilities and need for his friend. When they fight Humbaba, they both give moral support to each other when the other is scared. Another event that changes Gilgameshs character is the death of Enkidu. When Enkidu dies, Gilgamesh goes through the suffering of losing a loved one. Gilgamesh experiences a pain, which no worldly pleasure can ease. By this experience Gilgamesh starts to bring in his vulnerability toward death and pain. Losing his best friend causes Gilgamesh to be melancholic. At this prognosticate Gilgamesh is humbled by the fact that even he could not scarper the wrath of death. Gilgamesh goes from this arrogant king to a lonely grieving person with fear of death in his heart.