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Gilgamesh Hero Definition

Decent Essays

When opening a dictionary someone will see a hero defined as “A person who is admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities”. With this in mind, does this apply to all people like Gilgamesh, Odysseus, and others deemed “heroes”? A hero is more than just it’s dictionary definition, there are many different types of heroes from amoral, to epic. The idea of there being one set definition of what a hero is inherently flawed since subjectively a hero can be twisted to what anyone wants it to be.
A Hero is often classified as powerful and strong and caring, the former two are especially important in ancient times. For example, Gilgamesh, the protagonist of the Epic of Gilgamesh who was described as a “tyrant” and “because of his power and strength all the people of reach were brought beneath his sway.( Gilgamesh 21)” Gilgamesh does demonstrate heroic qualities, but is also incredibly cocky, (after Enkidu dies) very whiny, selfish, scared of his own mortality. He doesn’t decide to be a better ruler after a long period of time. The same can be said for Miguel Leonzo. He described often described as conniving, and cunning. As an illustration, on page 235, Liss writes, "Parido had trapped himself within his own scheme, and the world would now see who was the cleverer man. Miguel would win this battle in a manner worthy of Charming Pieter" (Liss, 235). In Miguel's meeting the Ma'amad, Parido has all the power and force, but Miguel uses his wits to defeat

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