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Odysseus, Joseph, and Gilgamesh, 2005.
A series of questions comparing the three seemingly different characters, Odysseus, Joseph, and Gilgamesh.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 4 sources, £ 24.95
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Abstract
This paper asks the questions 'what do the characters of Odysseus, Joseph, and Gilgamesh have in common? How do their adventures compare with one another?' While Joseph is a Bible character, Odysseus was the king of Ithaca, and Gilgamesh built the city of Uruk. This paper then compares the stories of Odysseus, Joseph, and Gilgamesh, pointing out many similarities in their adventures, trials, and victories.
From the Paper
"Joseph is a Bible character, Odysseus was the king of Ithaca, and Gilgamesh built the city of Uruk. Odysseus is remembered for building the wooden horse that made it possible to take Troy. Joseph is remembered for the coat of many colors. Gilgamesh was two-thirds god and only one-third human (Hooker). Comparing the stories of Odysseus, Joseph, and Gilgamesh show many similarities in their adventures, trials, and victories."
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Gilgamesh and Odysseus, 2005.
A discussion on the two differing heroic ideals of Gilgamesh and Odysseus.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 8 sources, £ 30.95
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Abstract
The following paper examines the heroic ideals embodied by the Sumerian hero Gilgamesh and the Greek hero Odysseus. The paper argues that the former is noteworthy for his bristling physicality, the latter for his resourcefulness and cunning. Thus, it may be posited that one embodies early, "primitive" man and the other a more restrained, thoughtful and (arguably) more advanced male archetype.
From the Paper
"Gilgamesh is a very conventional sort of hero. He is extraordinarily powerful - in contrast to Odysseus who must rely upon his cunning to survive - and he is extraordinarily beautiful. He is also, it must be said, given over to intemperance and to bullying (Epic trans. Kovacs xix). While Odysseus's pursuits are ultimately sanguinary, it may be said that Gilgamesh requires no prompting to forcibly impress himself upon others and his martial skills are conspicuously praised in the tabular artifacts that have survived to the present day (Epic of Gilgamesh Ancient Texts tablet I.32-35). In this regard, it is hardly inaccurate to suggest that Gilgamesh is heroic precisely because of his might whereas Odysseus is valued for other qualities that have little if anything to do with physical prowess."
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Gilgamesh and Odysseus, 2002.
Compares the main characters in "The Epic of Gilgamesh" (author unknown) and Homer's "The Odyssey".
1,508 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 34.95
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Abstract
There are many similarities between Gilgamesh, the legendary Babylonian king, and Odysseus, the Greek warrior famous for his cunning and fortitude. The paper shows that both characters' stories are told in poetic epics ("The Epic of Gilgamesh" by an anonymous author and ancient Greek writer, Homer's "The Odyssey"). The paper shows how both characters are engaged in quests - Gilgamesh, who is partially divine, does not wish to die and searches for a way to achieve immortality, whilst Odysseus is fully human and even rejects an offer of immortality in order to continue his struggle to return home after the end of the Trojan war. Both epics also feature the interference of the gods who encourage, assist, or thwart the two heroes and debate among themselves about the courses they should take in regard to the relatively insignificant human beings. The paper shows that the endings of the two epics are different--as might be expected from the differences in the two characters' goals. However, the basic themes of the endings have much more in common than might be expected. Gilgamesh is eventually convinced that immortality is something reserved for the gods. His partially mortal parentage means that he must die and that he should, therefore, take pleasure and pride in what is best about life rather than worrying about living forever. The paper shows that Odysseus is also intent on restoring order by returning home and in doing so, he makes the best of life, accepting fate and eventual death.
From the Paper
"The episodes involving the offers of the goddesses also provide similarities and differences. In the case of Gilgamesh Ishtar "looked with longing" on his beauty and begged him to be her "bridegroom" (6.6-7). But Gilgamesh boldly rejected her, despite the list of beautiful things that she promised him, because he was aware of the sad histories of all the men and animals that she had taken for her lovers in the past. In the case of Calypso and Odysseus, however, the goddess is not accused of falseness and her offers of everything wonderful are quite serious. She does indeed want Odysseus to remain with her forever and makes the offer of immortality. He would be ageless and would "preside in our house with me / and be immortal"."
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Life and Death: Socrates and Gilgamesh, 2000.
An comparison of Socrates, in Plato's "Five Dialogues", and Gilgamesh, in the "Epic of Gilgamesh" - comparison on their views on death and the afterlife.
1,268 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 30.95
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Abstract
This paper is a comparison between the way the Socrates sees life and death and the way that Gilgamesh sees it - what they think the afterlife is like, how that belief effects the way they life their lives, the changes that Gilgamesh's views about life and death undergo through his trials, Socrates focus on reason, Gilgamesh's focus on the passions/instincts, separation of the body and soul, etc.
From the Paper
"Questions of life and death have been asked and answered in a vast number of ways by every culture and individual throughout history. In Plato: Five Dialogues and The Epic of Gilgamesh, characters Socrates and Gilgamesh understand these issues very differently. Questions of the how to live one?s life, how to come to terms with death, and what can be expected of the afterlife are three main points in which their perceptions differ. Gilgamesh struggles and evolves with these issues, while Socrates has come to terms with and accepts his beliefs on these issues."
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"Epic of Gilgamesh", 2002.
An analysis of the immortality of Gilgamesh in the "Epic of Gilgamesh".
650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 1 source, £ 18.95
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Abstract
This paper will discuss the "Epic of Gilgamesh", and seek to understand the basic premise of this ancient mythology. By exploring immortality, and the life of Gilgamesh, we can explore his adventures in the classic tale.
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"The Epic of Gilgamesh", 2003.
This paper discusses "The Epic of Gilgamesh" (anonymous), the story of Gilgamesh, the King of Uruk, which is the earliest known written epic, predating Homer by eight centuries.
785 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 0 sources, £ 18.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that "The Epic of Gilgamesh" (anonymous), which was discovered in the mid-nineteenth century in the ruins of the great library at Nineva, was written on twelve clay tablets in the ancient Sumerian writing known as cuneiform and dated to 650 B.C. but pieces of the tablets were from 2000 B.C.. The author points out that these tablets are not necessarily the original writing, since certain linguistics believe that the story was written well before 2000 B.C., which is a definite possibility considering the fact that "The Epic of Gilgamesh" was originally an oral tradition passed down through generations. The paper relates that a major interest is that the flood written in "Gilgamesh" is almost identical to the flood story found in the Book of Genesis in the Bible.
From the Paper
"The story of "Gilgamesh" is essentially related to the ancient Sumerian culture, mainly since it is thought by some that the King truly did exist and the story is based on his real life rule. In the story, Gilgamesh rules the ancient Mesopotamian town of Uruk which actually existed at some point in time. He is said to be the son of the god Ninsun and a mortal father, however, historians have not obtained clear details on that matter. Although it is unclear whether or not King Gilgamesh actually existed, the story still acted as in "instructive text" for the people of Mesopotamia."
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"Gilgamesh", 2005.
A critical analysis of the relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu in the "Epic of Gilgamesh".
1,347 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 1 source, APA, £ 31.95
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Abstract
This paper briefly discusses the inter-twined relationship of the protagonist, Gilgamesh and Enkidu in this epic poem. It discusses how, despite their totally opposite backgrounds, two immensely different people are able to grow such a strong and influential friendship for one another.
From the Paper
"The poem begins by exploring life in the city of Uruk. The people are dealt with unjustly by King Gilgamesh. The people of Uruk complain to the gods about King Gilgamesh's harsh ruling towards them. The gods then summon Aruru (mother goddess), to use her strength and form Gilgamesh's equal. His equal will be mightier in strength and will compete with him over superiority."
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Odysseus, 2002.
A comparative analysis of the character of Odysseus in ?The Metamorphoses? by Ovid and ?The Odyssey? and ?The Iliad? by Homer.
1,733 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 39.95
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Abstract
?The Metamorphoses? by Homer portrays a different side of Odysseus as a character, which is entirely different from the Odysseus that readers were acquainted to in ?The Iliad? and ?The Odyssey? by Homer. While Odysseus is portrayed as a courageous and intelligent warrior in ?The Iliad? and ?The Odyssey,? Ajax in ?The Metamorphoses? is illustrated as a coward and a brilliant schemer in order to fool the people in believing that he is the rightful heir to the title of Achilles as the great warrior of the Achaean/Greek society. This main difference between Ovid and Homer?s works is the focus of this paper.
From the Paper
"Ovid, on the other hand, portrays a different and more critical picture of Ulysses (Odysseus) as warrior in the Roman literature. In an article by James Hunter, Odysseus? character is similar to Ovid?s portrayal in ?The Metamorphoses,? wherein he is known to be a cunning and treacherous warrior who would rather find ways out of a problematic situation than to fight bravely towards solving the problem (Hunter 2003). In fact, in W. B. Stanford?s analysis of Odysseus character in the ?The Ulysses Theme,? he discusses the criticism of Ovid and other Roman literary writers in the portrayal of Odysseus in the ?post-classical tradition.? "
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Female Dream Interpretation in Gilgamesh, 2000.
A look at how Gilgamesh's mother teaches us how to ?untie? or interpret dreams, a skill that Gilgamesh needs to learn and her wisdom is an early tribute to the power of female intelligence.
1,185 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 1 source, £ 27.95
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From the Paper
"Ninsun, the mother of Gilgamesh, is represented as a skilled interpreter of dreams. Dreams and how to interpret them have always fascinated humankind. From the dreams of Gilgamesh to the dreams represented in other literature to Freud?s Interpretation of Dreams to the Jungian perspective on dreams up to the Gestaltian interpretation of dreams, dreams have an enduring fascination in life as well as in literature. Dreams are now understood to be the key to the unconscious mind of humans and dream interpretation is a skill that is practiced by both fortune-tellers and highly trained psychotherapists. Gilgamesh turns to his mother for dream interpretation and she is perhaps the first person in the literature of the world to practice this skill. Ninsun is a very minor character in the Epic, and does not appear in most of the action. It is easy to overlook her compared with the space and attention given to Ishtar, but Ninsun, as mother figure and dream interpretator is not a character that should be ignored. "
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Odysseus The Leader, 2006.
A review of the character Odysseus in Homer's "The Odyssey".
1,000 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 24.95
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Abstract
This paper studies the character of Odysseus in the Greek mythic tale "The Odyssey" by Homer. The paper asserts that Odysseus is portrayed as an expert leader in this epic poem. The paper attempts to demonstrate Odysseus' various leadership qualities, including hard work, skill, loyalty, strength and intelligence. The paper also examines the role of the divine in assisting Odysseus. It concludes that despite his shortcomings as a man, Odysseus lives through all the dangers and risks which are presented to him by divine forces.
From the Paper
"Odysseus displays the qualities of being a hard worker and expert sailor, which assist him in his journey. The hero is introduced in Book Five, when he is busy building his boat and thus showing his extreme resourcefulness. Odysseus announces, "For my performance, that myself should build A ship of power, my home-assays to shield Against the great sea of such dread to pass; which not the best built ship that ever was." This impressive introduction to Odysseus displays the hero's prowess and near-divine mythic stature. Furthermore, immediately after Odysseus builds his magnificent vessel, he is hurled into tumultuous storms created by Neptune; the hero navigates skillfully through the tempests to safety. As Homer writes, "two nights, yet, and days He spent in wrestling with the sable seas; in which space, often did his heart propose Death to his eyes. But when Aurora rose, And threw the third light from her orient hair, The winds grew calm, and clear was all the air." These scenes, which display Odysseus' diligence and seamanship, foreshadow the hero's excellence as he and his crews navigate the Mediterranean and back to Ithaca."
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The Dawn of Warfare in the 'Epic of Gilgamesh', 2008.
This paper discusses the dawn of warfare in the ancient text "Epic of Gilgamesh", translated by M. G. Kovacs.
1,359 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 31.95
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Abstract
The writer notes that the "Epic of Gilgamesh" is one of the most remarkable writings of the Babylonian ancient literature. Its main theme is the condition of man on earth as a mortal being. The writer discusses that the epic is centered on the relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu, the two legendary heroes and friends who pass together through initiating experiences. One of their most important heroic feats is the battle with Humbaba, the demon that guards the Cedar Forest, whom Gilgamesh eventually defeats. The writer notes that the episode of the battle with the demon is very significant for both the ancient and the modern interpretations of warfare. The writer maintains that, first of all, the battle of Gilgamesh against the demon is easily inscribed in the tradition of the battle of good against evil, common to most heroic epics, legends and myths. At the same time, though, modern interpretations of the passage arise when the wider context of the battle is analyzed. The writer concludes that the "Epic of Gilgamesh" has very interesting modern ramifications of meaning, mixed with the traditional epic storyline.
From the Paper
"The 'Epic of Gilgamesh' is a very profound text, which must have had great importance for its contemporary audience. First of all, the traditional battle of good against evil is emphasized throughout the epic. Also, the wars fought by the two friends together emphasize the classic theme of the quest for immortality. The warfare was not at the time done with the aid of any great technology. The braveness of heroes, the help of a beneficial god, such as Shamash in the text, the perfect communion between the two heroes, such were generally the main reasons why the battle was won in a classic epic. Thus, in the text, the episode of the battle against Humbaba describes the way in which the god Shamash raised all the winds to help Gilgamesh win the battle against the demon .. "
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Responses to Death and Dying in the Epic "Gilgamesh", 2006.
A look at the old Babylonian heroic poem which describes the legendary story of "Gilgamesh".
1,190 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 27.95
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Abstract
In this review of the old Babylonian heroic poem "Gilgamesh", the author states that one of the most important functions of "Gilgamesh" was to educate the masses in morality and psychology. The author contrasts the responses to death of Gilgamesh and Enkidu as a way that the ancient readers could learn much about the reactions and interactions of real people. The author, in detail, describes and analyzes the separate reactions to death of the characters Gilgamesh and Enkidu and how they approached it. In conclusion, the author tells us that both characters serve to teach a very powerful lesson about dealing with death - in the realistic sense (Enkidu) and the idealized sense (Gilgamesh) and believes that this lesson alone may or may not justify the existence of this magnificent epic, but it certainly explains why it has lasted for so many millennia.
From the Paper
"Dying, Enkidu comes to accept his fate, then becomes more and more depressed as he approaches death. (Norton Anthology, p. 28) As Enkidu realizes he is going to die, his anger and bargaining give way to what may be interpreted as acceptance. As he begins to tell Gilgamesh of his dream, he prefaces his account with "It was I who cut down the cedar, I who leveled the forest, I who slew Humbaba and now see what has become of me." This realization - said in what seems to be a relatively quiet, non-aggressive tone, is as close as he will ever get to acceptance before his death process begins. As he nears death, his eyes grow "blind from weeping" as he plunges into depression, but then seems to reconcile matters within himself, saying to Gilgamesh: "...the great goddess cursed me and I must die in shame. I shall not die like a man fallen in battle; I feared to fall, but happy is the man who falls in battle, for I must die in shame." (Norton Anthology, p. 29) This phrase as a whole, and especially the fact that he says "must," can be interpreted to signify that just as he dies, he accepts his fate."
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"The Epic of Gilgamesh", 2002.
A review of the ancient Babylonian text "The Epic of Gilgamesh".
930 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 23.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how "The Epic of Gilgamesh" has all the qualities of a classic epic, gods, heroes and huge battle scenes. It examines how the ancient Babylonian text, preserved on stone tablets, is representative of poetry in a number of ways and how some key elements stand out. It looks at how the friendship that develops between Gilgamesh and Enkidu is remarkable and evaluates how the role of women in the epic is also characteristic of epic poetry in general. They are strong figures, despite having supporting roles in the narrative. It looks at how Gilgamesh, through all his struggles and quests, emerges as a legendary hero. Of noble, semi-divine birth, Gilgamesh?s status remains unquestioned throughout the tale. His heroism is another hallmark of the epic genre and another reason why the poem endures for almost three millennia.
From the Paper
"Gilgamesh?s friendship with Enkidu is a central theme of the Epic, and such close male bonding is a universal characteristic of this type of literature. The two men begin as rivals of equal strength: ?So the mighty brothers fought at first / pushing and shoving each other / for hours and hours enraged. / Then a calm force soothed / then well-matched spirits / to bring a peace and rest their strife,? (Tablet 2, Column 4, lines 76-81). Proving their manliness and honor to one another, they solidified their friendship, which is described as ?sacred,? (Tablet 3, Column 1, lines 1-3). Furthermore, the two men both become bored with mundane city life, and decide to embark on a journey together. Fueled by each other?s bravery and courage, the two men endure many hardships along the way such as the demon Humbaba. Enkidu?s death devastates Gilgamesh, who overtly displays his human emotions by becoming severely depressed: ?Then Gilgamesh wept some more / for his dead friend?Despite respite / he could not sleep or dream that night. / Instead he wandered through the woods,? (Tablet 9, Column 1, lines 1-2; 19-21)."
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The "Gilgamesh" Epic, 2003.
An overview of the different versions and the development of the "Gilgamesh" epic.
2,182 words (approx. 8.7 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper deals with the importance of the study of the "Gilgamesh" epic as a means to study the textual history and development of ancient narratives, because it's the only Mesopotamian epic that is this well attested from so many different periods. A short summary of the epic is given, followed by a discussion of its development from a collection of Sumerian tales into the standard Akkadian version that we know today.
Outline
Summary of the Gilgamesh Epic
The ?Moral of the Story?
The Development of the Gilgamesh Epic in the Different Versions
The Authorship and Composition of the Gilgamesh Epic
From the Paper
"But there is more to the story than this. In this Old Babylonian version Enkidu and Gilgamesh are both portrayed quite differently from their Sumerian counterparts and are already closer to how we encounter them in the standard version. Enkidu starts out as a wild, untamed creature, who is tamed and introduced into civilization where he submits himself to the authority of the king (Gilgamesh). They eventually become best friends and when Enkidu dies, Gilgamesh submits entirely to grief. He experiences a ?dark night of the soul? whereby he withdraws from society and lives on the steppe like a wild animal. He eventually comes to terms with the mortality (and humanity) of humans and re-enters the city as a transformed being."
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