Question

what is the difference between gilgamesh and beowulf?

Answer 1

Beowulf is often referred to as the first important work of literature in English, even though it was written in Old English. The world that Beowulf depicts and the heroic code of honor that defines much of the story is a relic of pre–Anglo-Saxon culture. The hero of The Epic of Gilgamesh was an actual historical figure, a king who reigned over the Sumerian city-state of Uruk around 2700 B.C.

In the epics Gilgamesh and Beowulf both heroes go on quest. Gilgamesh seeks eternal life, while Beowulf seeks glory. There are multiple steps to a Hero’s Journey, such as, the departure, the initiation, and the return. These three steps are evident in the stories of Beowulf and Gilgamesh.
Gilgamesh is the wisest, strongest, and most handsome of mortals, the King of Uruk, he is two-thirds god and one-third man. He built magnificent temple towers, surrounded his city with a monumental high wall, and laid out its orchards and fields. He is a tyrannical king who works his people to death and takes what he wants from them.

Beowulf is more of a warrior than a leader whereas Gilgamesh is more of a leader than a warrior. Beowulf defends his people in tough times and sacrifice his life in his quest for victory. On the other hand, Gilgamesh is a king, yet he is the best warrior that the community has.As a king and warrior, Gilgamesh shows strong heroism to grant his people victory.

In my opinion, Beowulf is more of an epic hero than Gilgamesh. This is because Gilgamesh is a half god, therefore, he had enough power to fight. On the other hand, Beowulf had to sacrifice majorly because his power advantages were limited and he even sacrificed his life for his people. Therefore, Beowulf has more credit than Gilgamesh for being an epic hero.

Correspondingly, Beowulf's quest is not as personal as that of Gilgamesh. As the monster Grendel was terrorizing Herot, Beowulf sets out to help Hrothgar. Judging from the setting in present-day Denmark and northern Germany shortly after the fall of Rome, it can be suggested that Beowulf is seeking fame and glory that will, in a sense, give him eternal life. Beowulf, before fighting Grendel's mother, proclaims, "Each of us will come to the end of this life on earth; he who can earn it should fight for the glory of his name; fame after death is the noblest of goals." Again, near death, he thanks God for all the treasure and requests to have his tomb at the water's edge, so sailors can see it and remember it as 'Beowulf's tower.'

Gilgamesh is to be noted for his dedication and loyalty. Upon Enkidu's death, "mad, perhaps insane, he tried to bring Enkidu back to life" (lines 48-50) and eventually sets out to see Utnapishtim even though beyond the gates "there is only death." (line 94) Furthermore, even though Utnapishtim tries to discourage him Gilgamesh insists. "What can I do to win eternal life? The younger pleaded. Wherever I go--even here--I am drawn back to death." (lines 431-432) Eventually Utnapishtim feels sorry for him and relents.

In like manner, Beowulf is also dedicated and loyal. After cutting off Grendel's claw he pursues the monster to make sure that he is dead, and when Grendel's mother seeks vengeance he does not hesitate to fight her. He originally sets out to help Hrothgar and does not intend to leave the quest unfinished.

Gilgamesh is indeed brave. He mentions his earlier conquests with Enkidu: "We hunted together. We killed Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven." (lines 147-148) He wanders through the desert, past the gates at the mountains, and travels the Road of the Sun in pursuit of one constant goal. After Utnapishtim reveals to him the secret of life that he has been searching for, he braves the lake and the plant's thorns that prick his hands.

Beowulf, without a doubt, is just as brave as Gilgamesh, perhaps even more. Upon hearing of Hrothgar's troubles with Grendel, he sails to Herot and battles the monster and then his mother. In his last battle, Beowulf fights against the fire-breathing dragon and fights on until his very last breath.

Correspondingly, Beowulf's quest is not as personal as that of Gilgamesh. As the monster Grendel was terrorizing Herot, Beowulf sets out to help Hrothgar. Judging from the setting in present-day Denmark and northern Germany shortly after the fall of Rome, it can be suggested that Beowulf is seeking fame and glory that will, in a sense, give him eternal life. Beowulf, before fighting Grendel's mother, proclaims, "Each of us will come to the end of this life on earth; he who can earn it should fight for the glory of his name; fame after death is the noblest of goals." Again, near death, he thanks God for all the treasure and requests to have his tomb at the water's edge, so sailors can see it and remember it as 'Beowulf's tower.'

Gilgamesh is to be noted for his dedication and loyalty. Upon Enkidu's death, "mad, perhaps insane, he tried to bring Enkidu back to life" (lines 48-50) and eventually sets out to see Utnapishtim even though beyond the gates "there is only death." (line 94) Furthermore, even though Utnapishtim tries to discourage him Gilgamesh insists. "What can I do to win eternal life? The younger pleaded. Wherever I go--even here--I am drawn back to death." (lines 431-432) Eventually Utnapishtim feels sorry for him and relents.

In like manner, Beowulf is also dedicated and loyal. After cutting off Grendel's claw he pursues the monster to make sure that he is dead, and when Grendel's mother seeks vengeance he does not hesitate to fight her. He originally sets out to help Hrothgar and does not intend to leave the quest unfinished.

Gilgamesh is indeed brave. He mentions his earlier conquests with Enkidu: "We hunted together. We killed Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven." (lines 147-148) He wanders through the desert, past the gates at the mountains, and travels the Road of the Sun in pursuit of one constant goal. After Utnapishtim reveals to him the secret of life that he has been searching for, he braves the lake and the plant's thorns that prick his hands.

Beowulf, without a doubt, is just as brave as Gilgamesh, perhaps even more. Upon hearing of Hrothgar's troubles with Grendel, he sails to Herot and battles the monster and then his mother. In his last battle, Beowulf fights against the fire-breathing dragon and fights on until his very last breath.