It has often been observed that ancient heroes suffer both acclaim and tragedy. This is true of both Beowulf and Gilgamesh, two heroes who gain much in their journeys, but ultimately lose far more...Show moreIt has often been observed that ancient heroes suffer both acclaim and tragedy. This is true of both Beowulf and Gilgamesh, two heroes who gain much in their journeys, but ultimately lose far more despite their epic feats; in the case of Beowulf, the kingdom he built and in the case Gilgamesh, his greatest friend, Enkidu. These tragedies are seen as inevitabilities and thus put to question the purpose of heroics (see Greenfield 1962 and Wolf 1969). Both have often had their heroism examined individually, but rarely together, especially in light of newer translations and editions (see Stark 1966). In my thesis, I will analyze the relevant themes of both heroic tales. I will compare and contrast the themes of gain and loss and discern the reason each hero is considered heroic within the context of their own tale and where these forms of heroism meet and diverge.Show less
