Xlibris Publishing presents Heroes and Villains: Gilgamesh where we take a look at one of the oldest heroes in human literature, Gilgamesh, God-King of Uruk. To authors it is important to keep in mind with this entry, and in your own future works, the context. Gilgamesh is an old hero, from a time very different from today. Some of what he does may be seen as heroic in the original text, but by today’s ethics and virtues be barbaric and cruel. We do not say this to excuse Gilgamesh or the writers of old, but to ensure understanding.
When writing, especially in a story where the protagonist is a ‘hero,’ authors should keep in mind the context in which the hero is acting. Are the hero’s deeds ‘heroic’ only in the context of their story? If the hero fought in a war against another nation, does that nation see him or her as a hero or as a hated monster? These are questions authors should keep in mind as they read this entry and as they write their own work.
Who is Gilgamesh?
Gilgamesh is the central character of The Epic of Gilgamesh, an epic poem dating from Ancient Mesopotamia, circa 2100 BC. The oldest ‘texts’ about Gilgamesh were etched into stone tablets, chronicling the life and accomplishments of the God-King of Uruk (Uruk was an ancient city of Sumer and later Babylonia). According to The Epic, Gilgamesh was made by the Mesopotamian gods. The gods gave Gilgamesh a perfect body, beautiful, powerful, and courageous. He was two-thirds god and one-third man, however that works.
What does Gilgamesh do?
Interestingly, if one looked at Gilgamesh’s early actions one might call him a villain, even in the context of his own story and time. When the demi-god arrives in Uruk, the kingdom had no king and no one to face his strength. It is implied that Gilgamesh killed and enslaved the sons of the men of Uruk, and took newly-wed wives for his pleasure. Such was the king’s oppression that the people of Uruk cried out to the gods. The gods answered, creating Enkidu the beast-man to challenge the demi-god. Enkidu sympathized with the people and stood between Gilgamesh and the bed chamber of a new bride. The two grappled. Though the fight ends with Enkidu acknowledging Gilgamesh’s superior strength, the two become friends. It is implied that Enkidu’s friendship bettered Gilgamesh, as no mention is given of the god-king continuing his oppressive acts.
Together Gilgamesh and Enkidu go on an adventures to earn fame and glory, slaying the great ogre Humbaba. The two also endure the wrath of the goddess Ishtar. Gilgamesh refuses the attentions of Ishtar, based on her treatment of past lovers (death and madness). Scorned Ishtar sends the Bull of Heaven to punish Gilgamesh. The Bull brings destruction to Uruk, lowering the level of rivers, drying the marshes, and causing earthquakes and sinkholes. Together Gilgamesh and Enkidu face the Bull of Heaven and succeed in slaying it. But the gods are angered at the slaying of Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven, they decree that one of the two heroes must die. They choose Enkidu. And so Enkidu withers away and dies.
The rest of Gilgamesh’s deeds, and Heroes and Villains, Gilgamesh, will be continued in part two.
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By Ian Smith