What Makes Gilgamesh an Epic Hero?
This paper examines Gilgamesh as an epic hero, highlighting his extraordinary strength, bravery, intelligence, and transformation. As a demigod, Gilgamesh demonstrates heroism by defeating Humbaba, resisting temptations, and seeking immortality. His journey follows Joseph Campbell’s hero’s journey model, marked by departure, initiation, and return. Though flawed by hubris, his struggles lead to self-discovery and wisdom. Ultimately, Gilgamesh embodies both human weakness and heroic virtue, making him a timeless and relatable figure in literature.
References
Campbell, Joseph. The Hero With a Thousand Faces. Joseph Campbell Foundation, 2020.
Foster, Benjamin R. The Epic of Gilgamesh. WW Norton & Company, 2019.
Helle, Sophus. Gilgamesh: A New Translation of the Ancient Epic. Yale University Press, 2021.
Reference
StudyCorgi. (2025, August 29). What Makes Gilgamesh an Epic Hero? https://studycorgi.video/what-makes-gilgamesh-an-epic-hero/