Gilgamesh versus Old Testament heroes: comparative analysis

Gilgamesh and Moses

Both of these heroic figures go on quests or epic journeys in their stories. Moses leads his people across the desert from Egypt to Israel, while Gilgamesh's quest is to seek life forever after his friend Enkidu dies. The unknown author of the epic poem "Gilgamesh" writes, "Supreme over other kings, lordly in appearance, / he is the hero, born of Uruk, the goring wild bull. / He walks out in front, the leader, / and walks at the rear, trusted by his companions" (Kovacs 4). Both of these heroes are portrayed as larger than life figures with many heroic qualities, such as Gilgamesh's ability to triumph over many obstacles and convince others of his plans, and Moses' ability to convince the Pharaoh to allow his people to leave Egypt. They are both strong, brave, good leaders, and they have qualities that make them stand apart from those around them. Moses lives to be extremely old, and Gilgamesh wants to live forever, until he discovers that his not his fate.

Moses is not a king, but he has kingly powers that come from God. The Bible says, "And it came to pass that Satan cried with a loud voice, with weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth; and he departed hence, even from the presence of Moses, that he beheld him not" (Moses 1: 22). This is quite valuable in his culture, because he is a leader to his people, and he is leading them to a new home, but to a new faith as well. Defying Satan shows that he is a man to be reckoned with, and a man to follow. Both men are strong, capable leaders and good men, but one believes in God, and the other believes in many gods, which may be the biggest difference between them. Gilgamesh, on the other hand, is a king, and his powers seem to come more from himself and the Gods of his time, helping him defeat evil monsters, much like Moses can turn away Satan. This is also valuable in his culture, because Gilgamesh lived long before Moses, and his culture worshipped many gods and believed in many monster beings - they needed a leader they believed could keep them in harmony with gods and safe from the beasts.