Gilgamesh and epic hero

Character Analysis Essay
Every person has his or her own definition of what a hero is. The qualities that their hero possesses come from personal experiences. In modern times, a hero is defined as a selfless person who risks their life and/or liberty for the benefit of others. In an analysis of Gilgamesh and Beowulf using modern standards, Gilgamesh is not a hero, whereas Beowulf possesses many heroic qualities. Using the “Anglo-Saxon Ideal”, both possess the qualities the Anglo-Saxons valued. Looking at the two epics, Gilgamesh and Beowulf, we see similarities and differences between the two heroes; Gilgamesh is the prototype for the archetypa...