The Epic of Gilgamesh and The Ramayana

Both Gilgamesh and Rama are depicted as exceptional characters with heroic qualities throughout The Epic of Gilgamesh and The Ramayana. It is because of their efforts and their capacity to deal with various social problems. However, Rama and Gilgamesh also seem to have some different traits and skills from one another. (Gresseth 2). In essence, their varied ethnic backgrounds and personal experiences are to blame.

First of all, gods have favored Gilgamesh and Rama throughout their lifetimes. The two champions actively participate in community leadership in their respective areas. Therefore, their relationship with the gods helps them to fight intruders, enemies of the society, and to manage the proceedings of the community. Through a close relationship with the gods, Gilgamesh is able to fight and eliminate demons and monsters that prevailed in the ancient Mesopotamian region. Together with Enkidu, Gilgamesh was able to trace and eliminate Humbaba from the forest (Sandars 7). On his side, Rama was also able to rescue his wife from the demon king with the help of the gods (Narayan 43).

Secondly, Gilgamesh and Rama were associated with exceptional abilities. Gilgamesh was able to journey to the forest in search Humbaba as well as of immortality. Through accepting that he cannot be an immortal being after his adventure, Gilgamesh showcases his epic heroism in the plot. Also, his ability to take on the beast and to control other members of the society such as women depicted him as a heroic character in his community. On the other hand, Rama’s access to the Ravana’s island in search of his wife, Sita, shows his ability to act as a hero. He proceeds to engage in a confrontation with Ravana’s demon king in order to bring his wife back (Gresseth 6). Also, Rama’s strict observance to Hinduism inclines him to obey and respect parents to achieve his dharma’s requirements. He is depicted as hero due to his actions.

Contrast between Gilgamesh and Rama

As depicted in the plots, the heroic quests between Gilgamesh and Lord Rama also appear to be different in a couple of ways. Firstly, while engaging in taking on various adventures such as the journey to the forest and also to the search for immortality, Gilgamesh is only devoted to indulge himself and to increase his political powers and influence. It is depicted in the time that his own people’s wishes were to be eliminated from the pain caused by his rule. At the same time, Gilgamesh is associated with harsh treatment towards women and killing of beasts for glory (Sandars 9). Therefore, even though he appears to be a hero, Gilgamesh seems to be driven by self-glory as the greatest king in the world and not service for the people. On the other hand, Rama shows his heroism as a devotion to serve his people. He journeys to the Ravana’s island to take on the demon king. It was done in order to save his wife and to free his community from oppression (Narayan 44). At the same time, his strict obedience to Hinduism compels him to respect and obey his parents as well as other members of community to achieve his dharma.

Conclusion

Thus, it is evident that heroes of The Epic of Gilgamesh and The Ramayana have similar and distinct features. They both revolve around being leaders and having extraordinary abilities. Gilgamesh’s heroism, however, is inspired by seeking recognition. At the same time, Rama is a hero for the sake of his people.

Works Cited

Gresseth, Gerald K. “The Gilgamesh Epic and Homer.” The Classical Journal, 70.4 (1975): 1-18.

Narayan, Rasipuram K. The Ramayana: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic. Penguin Classics, 2006.

Sandars, Nancy (Ed.). The Epic of Gilgamesh. Penguin, 1972.