How do Achilles and Gilgamesh compare and contrast as epic heros?

Answer 1

Both Achilles and Gilgamesh are epic heroes known for their strength and bravery. However, Achilles is driven by personal glory and revenge, while Gilgamesh embarks on a quest for immortality and self-discovery. Achilles is portrayed as more emotional and temperamental, while Gilgamesh undergoes a deeper transformation and gains wisdom through his experiences.

Answer 2

Achilles and Patroclos are best friends, as close as brothers, just like Gilgamesh and Enkidu. Both Enkidu and Patroclos are like the sidekicks to the epic heroes, Gilgamesh and Achilles. They also both died and their respective friends mourned for them deeply and in some ways too deeply.

Answer 3

1. Both were part man, part god
2. Both are not good Shepherds to their people (Gilgamesh's mistreatment of people of Uruk/Achilles fight with Agamemnon leads to Patroclus)
3. Both are best fighters, besting a worthy enemy (Enkidu & Hector)
4. Both wrestle with issue of immorality after best friend dies (Enkidu & Patroclus)
5. Both are flawed by their egos (Gilgamesh's jilting of Ishtar and Achilles dragging of Hector)

Answer 4

Achilles was a demi-god and prince: his mother was the sea nymph Themis, his father was the mortal king Peleus.

Gilgamesh was a demi-god and king: his mother was the goddess Ninsun, his father the mortal king Lugalbanda.

Achilles was a hero who was consumed by fury and doomed to a heroic death at a young age.

Gilgamesh was a brute who became a hero, seeking to avoid death.

Achilles´ best friend was the hero Patroclus, whose death on the battlefield led to a great change in Achilles´ thinking: he forewent his anger and sought Hector´s death.

Gilgamesh´ best friend was the beast-man Enkidu, whose death of a sickness led to a great change in Gilgamesh´ thinking: he set out to find the herb which gives eternal life.

Answer 5

What you suggest is an impossible comparison.