Question

Compare and contrast Gilgamesh and Rama as heroes. How does each hero embody the values of his culture?

Answer 1

Both The Epic of Gilgamesh and The Ramayana are literary works that revolve around a main character that is an epic hero.

• Gilgamesh is made up of two thirds god while Rama is also viewed by many as the reincarnate of Vishnu, the Hindu god of preservation.
• They are considered as epic heroes because they are favored by the gods
• Both of them goes into a long journey where they fight and defeat monsters, demons. In The Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh went on an adventure/journey to the forest where he battle and defeat Humbaba, the monster who guards the forest. Also, he goes on another journey searching for immortality, but instead has a self realization that he is not destined for immortality after all.
• Rama also goes on a journey when he is banished to the forest by his father, but his main adventure comes when he must rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana.
• Gilgamesh is a strong man who treats women wrongly, kills innocent beast for glory, and is part god while Rama is totally opposite. He is still worshiped by many in the Hindu religion as the reincarnate of Vishnu because of his devote following in the way of the dharma.