Gilgamesh and the Iliad

Drew Brown

ENGL 2301-N2

11/26/11

Gilgamesh and the Iliad

Aristotle said, "The man who is incapable of working in common, or who in his self-sufficiency has no need of others, is no part of the community, like a beast or a god." In the examination of this statement one may deduce that the burden of self-sufficiency haunts its possessor like a curse. That the man, who needs no one to aid him, lives a lonely, isolated life due to the supremacy he embodies. In short, their life becomes both a blessing and a curse in one. Individuals who have been bestowed with the gifts of the gods acquire names that stand the test of time. However, although their accomplishments are eternal, their lives are more often than not, short. It is in stories like the Iliad and Gilgamesh, that we find humans possessing characteristics that elevate individuals to god like status matching this quote of Aristotle's belief.

In the Iliad, it is Achilles that separates himself from the community because he is well aware that he is the key to the Achaeans success in all their battles. Achilles makes note that the Achaeans will need his assistance in the future battles they will face against Troy, yet he is reluctant to help his fellow people because of the ungrateful lord of men Agamemnon, this displays his separation. Comparatively in the story of Gilgamesh, it is Gilgamesh himself that boasts of his strength, which surpasses all other men; from his people he takes what he wants, and no man can defend his strength. He declares himself the foundation of Uruk, and its reason for existence. In both stories, the heroes separate themselves from the community because of their godlike achievements. Common men in each story both revere the characters as gods due to their strength, and fear them like beast because of their tenacious ambition. Each god like character shows reluctance to be a part of the whole community, mainly because they are aware of their value to others. They begin to distance...