Character Analysis

“Who is the most glorious among the heroes? Who shines among the men” (540-541) This is the type of pure vanity that a narcissistic ruler exudes. He believes at this point that he is above all men and gods alike. 

"Gilgamesh wept bitterly over the loss of his friend, and he lay on the ground, saying: “I am not dying, but weeping has entered into my heart; Fear of death has befallen me, and I lie here stretched out upon the ground. Listen to me, O Elders; I weep for my comrade Enkidu, 600 bitterly crying like a wailing woman: my grip is slackened on my ax, for I have been assailed by sorrow and cast down in affliction.” (597-603)This was the point in Gilgamesh’s life where he was humbled. For the first time in his life he was defeated. Even being two thirds god had little effect on the overwhelming sadness he felt that emanated from his one third human emotions.

And Gilgamesh said Utnapishtim: “I have come here to find you, whom people call the ‘far-off,’ so I can turn to you for help; I have traveled through all the lands, I have crossed over the steep mountains, and I have crossed all the seas to find you, to find life everlasting.” (777-781)Gilgamesh will do what ever it takes to gain immortality. The fear of death has made him determined to complete his quest.

"Gilgamesh—he was the Master of wisdom, with knowledge of all things"Gilgamesh is strong, outspoken and determined. He is at odds with the gods, creatures and men alike but he will face any challenge head on and without fear.

"Gilgamesh wept bitterly for his comrade, for Enkidu, ranging over the desert: “I, too—shall I not die like Enkidu also? Sorrow hath entered my heart; I fear death as I range over the desert, so I will take the road to the presence of Utnapishtim, the offspring of Ubara-Tutu; And with speed will I travel." (621-625)Gilgamesh is a dynamic character because he has no worries or fears in the beginning. He is only concerned with his own greatness and power. It is not until he loses his best friend that his life changes. Fear of death is now his motivation to see out immortality.

“Comrade and henchman, Enkidu—what is this slumber that has overcome you? Why are your eyes dark, why can you not hear me?” But he did not raise his eyes, and his heart, when Gilgamesh felt it, made no beat. Then he covered his friend with a veil like a bride; lifted his voice like a lion, roared like a lioness robbed of her whelps. In front of his comrade he paced backwards and forwards, tearing his hair and casting away his finery, plucking and casting away all the grace of his person." (603-610)It is Enkidu's death that creates the internal conflict within Gilgamesh. His fear of mortality is the driving factor of this conflict.

"When I woke up and saw what had happenedI thought long and hard about whether I shouldJust go over the side and end it all in the seaOr endure in silence and remain among the living.In the end I decided to bear it and live."(56-60)Many men would have given up on their quest, having come so close and then being blown so far away. Odysseus shows great determination to return home.

"Noman is killing me by some kind of trick!” (407).When he and his men are trapped by the cyclops Polyphemus, he outwits the cyclops by telling him that his name is Noman. By doing this, he is able to avoid an attack by the neighboring cyclops’ in the area after Polyphemus is stabbed in the eye.

Thus the suitors, while Odysseus, deep in thought, was looking over his bow. And then, effortlessly, like a musician stretching a string over a new peg on his lyre, and making the twisted sheep-gut fast at either end, Odysseus strung the great bow. Lifting it up, he plucked the string, and it sang beautifully under his touch, with a note like a swallow’s. (430-437)Odysseus was the only man strong enough to string his ownbow for the contest that Penelope organized.

Of the cunning hero, the wanderer, blown off course time and againafter he plundered Troy’s sacred heights.Odysseus is the hero of the story. His main goal is to return home to his family in Ithaca. He must use his strength, intelligence and perseverance to overcome the challenges he faces on his journey.

"There is a time for words and a time for sleep."(389)Odysseus is a static character because he never gives up on his true mission of returning home to his family. He has many set backs but ultimately completes his trip home.

"This brought no response from his pitiless heartBut a sudden assault upon my men. His hands Reached out, seized two of them, and smashed themTo the ground like puppies. Their brains spattered outAnd oozed into the dirt. He tore them limb from limbTo make his supper, gulping them downLike a mountain lion, leaving nothing behind" (279-285)Odysseus faces many external challenges along his journey but facing the cyclopes, he had to use his wits, strength and determination to escape.