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In many aspects, Gilgamesh and Homers Achilles, the main figure of the Iliad, are similar. Achilles is a demigod, like Gilgamesh, born of the goddess Thetis and the human Peleus (Homer 10). Hector, the Trojan prince, is defeated by him in single combat, demonstrating his strength and combat prowess. Additionally, during his journey, Achilles experiences a metamorphosis consistent with Joseph Campbells idea of the heros journey. It is significant to mention that Campbells ideas apply, applies Homer Achilles because of the similarity of the characters.
Between Gilgamesh and Achilles, there are certain differences as well. For instance, Achilles is a warrior seeking revenge for the death of his friend Patroclus, whereas Gilgamesh is a monarch seeking to establish his value and achieve eternal glory (Homer 10). Additionally, Achilles is primarily driven by his rage and desire for retribution, whereas Gilgamesh seeks wisdom and knowledge (Clarke 75). Campbells theories still apply to Achilles despite these distinctions. Achilles undergoes a transformation during his journey that leads to self-discovery, similar to Gilgamesh.
Achilles experiences challenges at the initiation stage that test his identity and principles. Achilles feels betrayed and withdraws from combat, which causes his fellow Greeks to lose the battle and receive losses when Agamemnon takes his war prize, the girl Briseis. But after Hector murders his friend Patroclus, Achilles becomes furious and seeks revenge, defeating Hector in single combat (Homer 10). Achilles enters the return phase with a renewed feeling of purpose and understanding of the value of honor and glory. Hectors body is returned to his father, and elaborate funeral games are held in his honor. Hectors father recognizes that his thirst for vengeance has caused him to forsake his duty to his fellow Greeks, and he wants to make atonement by doing so.
In conclusion, the epic heroes Gilgamesh and Achilles have a lot in common with one anothers journeys. Both characters suffer from loss and are forced to acknowledge their mortality, which prompts them to set out on a quest for self-understanding. They face a variety of difficulties that put their grit and character to the test as they go. In the end, they both grow to value honor, glory, and the greater good, and they both return to their societies as transformed men. The idea of the heros journey, popularized by Joseph Campbell, provides a helpful foundation for comprehending how these great protagonists change. Gilgamesh and Achilles depart from their comfortable lives and set off on a journey of discovery; they are initiated after enduring hardships that try their character, and they return to society after their journeys with new knowledge and understanding. While Gilgamesh and Achilles have many things in common, they also have different characteristics that set them apart as distinct people. While Achilles journey is more concerned with revenge and honor, Gilgameshs is more concerned with personal growth and redemption.
Works Cited
Campbell, Joseph. The Hero With a Thousand Faces. Joseph Campbell Foundation, 2020.
Clarke, Michael. Achilles beside Gilgamesh: Mortality and Wisdom in Early Epic Poetry. Cambridge University Press, 2019.
Homer. The Iliad. Penguin, 1991.
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