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Epics are revered stories passed on throughout countless generations. Three such epics, Gilgamesh, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and Beowulf, are renowned classics that depict the heroic journey of three characters. These epics contrast greatly amongst one another, spanning from Mesopotamia, England, and Denmark, containing many different quests and obstacles. Powerful and divine Gilgamesh sets off on a journey to conquer immortality for himself and a beloved friend. Sir Gawain, noble Knight of King Arthur’s Round Table, must face the mysterious Green Knight, whom Gawain owes a debt involving an axe. While, the strong and valiant Beowulf must overcome numerous demons. In all of their differences, these epics share one important detail; that their heroic protagonist is above all a man, and thus subject to all the downfalls that afflict mankind.
Gilgamesh is the story of Gilgamesh, the King of Uruk, and Enkidu, man of the animals, “becoming human together” (Mason 15). Gilgamesh met his downfall when he befriended and came to love Enkidu. His friendship transformed him into a man and subjected him to all of mankind’s downfalls. The epic commences with the main character, Gilgamesh, an unstable man who is two-thirds god and one-third human, as well as great king on earth and a strong god-like human. As king of Uruk he depicts the traits of the tyrant. Gilgamesh is first described as a, “tyrant to his people.” (Mason 15). He is young and has an appetite for woman and sex. This overbearing behavior leads Gilgamesh to believe by an old birthright, that he is entitled to, “The privilege of sleeping with their brides” (Mason 15). This seemingly lack of compassion disappears with the arrival of Enkidu who, in the words of Ninsun, Gilgamesh’s mother, “lifts [Gilgamesh] out of the tiredness.” (Mason 20). Enkidu’s imminent arrival forces a compelling change within Gilgamesh. Suddenly it seems that his lack of compassion, iron-fist authority upon his people, and...