1. Can you identify any of the stages of the Hero’s Journey in the story of Gilgamesh? You may begin by asking yourself: What is Gilgamesh’s Call to Adventure; or what is Enkidu’s?
The story didn’t really remind me of a true hero’s journey like what I had been imagining or when I tried to compare it to any movies, example: Disney movies, Harry Potter, or even Lord of the Rings. I mostly got from the story that Gilgamesh went off, met a friend and after he has his call to adventure by wanting to cut down the cedar tree, Gilgamesh and Enkidu together fought the Humbaba and defeat him. Gilgamesh’s friend then sacrifices himself, making Enkidu, I believe, the hero instead of Gilgamesh.
2. Do you believe any of the Four Functions of Mythology, as outlined in ‘Mythological Themes in Creative Literature and Art’, are alive and active in the story of Gilgamesh? Why or why not?
I believe that they four functions of mythology were in the story. Through the whole story we watch Gilgamesh transform to a more mature adult.
3. What judgement would you make concerning the success or failure of Gilgamesh’s journey? For instance, he failed to return with the Plant of Everlasting Life, but what did he gain instead? Is it a worthy replacement for eternal youth?
Gilgamesh did not return with the Plan of Everlasting Life, and then had to watch his friend pass. But he did grow and become wiser on the trip, that can be seen as a gain to some.
I agree with you in that Enkidu is a hero too. At the beginning I did see what you saw, but also we have to take in consideration that many parts are missing, and in that culture a hero was someone that did a task that was thought to be an order from a deity. In one of the prayers it is said that a deity send Gilgamesh to cut this cedar trees, that’s why he was thought to be a hero in this epic. Heroes are defined differently in different societies and generations. Good work.