The Transformation of Gilgamesh in the Epic of Gilgamesh :: Epic Gilgamesh essays

The Transformation of Gilgamesh in the Epic of GilgameshIn art objecty literary works we see significant transitions in the heros point of reference as the story is developed. This is also true in the Epic of Gilgamesh with its hero, Gilgamesh. In this narrative poem, we get glimpses of who Gilgamesh is and what his purposes and goals are. We see Gilgamesh act in many contrasting ways -- as an overbearing ruler resented by his people, a valorous and strong fighter, a deflated, depressed man, and finally as a man who seems content with what hes accomplished. Through all of these transitions, we see Gilgameshs attitude toward life change. The goals he has for his own life alter dramatically, and it is in these goals that we see Gilgameshs transition from being a shallow, ruthless ruler to being an introspective, content man. The epic begins with the hands of Uruk describing Gilgamesh as an overly aggressive ruler. Gilgamesh leaves no son to his father solar day and night his out rageousness continues unrestrained And he is the shepherd of Uruk, the enclosure He is their shepherd, and yet he oppresses them. Strong, hand round, and wise. . . Gilgamesh leaves no virgin to her lover.(p.18, Line 23-27) The citizens respect him, only they resent his sexual and physical aggression, so they plead to the gods to alleviate some of their burden. The gods resolve to create an competent for Gilgamesh to tame him and keep him in line. This equal, Enkidu, has an present(prenominal) impact on Gilgamesh. When they first meet, both having never before met a man equal in stature, they brawl. They grappled with each other, Snorting like bulls They bust the doorpost, that the wall shook.(p.32, lines 15-18) In giving Gilgamesh a real battle, Enkidu instantly changes him having this equal gives Gilgamesh a sense of respect for another man. These two men battle each other creates a serious mess, but they both devastation up without animosity toward the other. The next time we see them, their friendship is concrete. They kissed iodin another, And formed a friendship.(p.33, line 19-20) Gilgamesh seems to be the leader at the place of their relationship, and right away, he plans an adventure for them. In the forest dwells the terrible Huwawa. allow us, me and thee, kill him, And let us destroy all the vileness in the land.(p. 34, line 96-98) Here, Gilgamesh reveals one reason that he wants to kill Huwawa - to destroy the evil in the land.