Gilgamesh, the Illiad, the Aeneid - 1661 Words

Classical literature has withstood the tests of time. Through the Anglo-Saxon era in history, long narrative poems, known as epics become all the rage. These poems were written in elevated styles that presented the adventures of a hero with superhuman qualities who embodied the national ideals. These ideals and adventures were presented through elements such as dreams, courage allowing the hero to overcome great trials, and a major battle scene. These elements, known as epic conventions, created epics that to this day continue to be read and taught throughout all the world. Authors like Homer (Circa 850 B.C.) and Virgil (Circa 70-19 B.C.) capitalized on the growing popularity of epics through masterpieces like Gilgamesh, The Iliad,†¦show more content†¦Let this be our rendezvous. . . The verity of compassion exemplifies the reward of lifes hardest choices. The verify of pity is also shown through these epics. In the epic Gilgamesh, Enkidu pities the life of Gilgamesh when the battle is ended with Enkidu standing up Gilgamesh and extending the offer to be friends. After the long journey, as Gilgamesh is desperately seeking the plant of everlasting life, the old immortal man Utnapishtim has pity on Gilgamesh when Utnapishtim directs, In the depths of the sea lies a plant. It looks like a buckthorn and pricks like a rose. If any man comes into possession of it, he can, by tasting it, regain his youth! Pity is displayed at the start of The Iliad as goddess Hera becomes distressed at the site of the Danaans dying and puts pity into the heart of Achilles to call all of the men into the place of assembly. Andromache prays, No pity for our child/poor little one, or me in my sad lot soon to be deprived of you! soon, soon/Achaens as one man will set upon you/and cut you down! Anchises, in The Aeneid, pities the lives of the other family members by refusing to add additional weight, as a burden, to the familys escape. Through the epics, pity has been a verity that has saved and changed the life of many characters. Pride is the verity that troubled characters in the epics. It was said to be that Gilgamesh was the mightiest warrior and no one could match Gilgamesh in combat. Knowing this, Gilgamesh is a hubrisShow MoreRelatedHeroes of the Ages1130 Words   |  5 Pagespeople can analyze is the actions within a story. Of the numerous heroes in which one could extrapolate upon, there are a few who are ideal for finding the true characteristics that make a hero, those being: Achilles, Odysseus, Aeneas, Socrates, Gilgamesh, Beowulf and of course Arthur. The first hero to analyze for characteristics is Achilles. Although some do not necessarily believe him to be the grandest man, he is still the basis of a lot of stories in which young men feel they should model.Read MoreThe Epic Of Gilgamesh Essay1801 Words   |  8 PagesEpic of Gilgamesh does not quite have a happy end. Truthfully, Gilgamesh is not successful in his mission. It is shortsighted and deceived to expect that Gilgamesh, the saint, must be effective in his journey to hold the characteristics of courage. An unsuccessful journey not harsh any more than a courageous ending is essentially joyful. For recognitions of this, we need to look no more distant than the plenty of thoughtful legends of great writing – the stories of Homer, Virgil s Aeneid, and evenRead MoreThe Epic Of Epic : An Epic1126 Words   |  5 Pagesin the story actually happened or were a part of history. Epic heroes are considered as better than the average person and usually embark on a quest th at changes them for the better. For example, the story of Gilgamesh is considered an epic because it is centered on the journey of Gilgamesh, a better than average mortal, and the obstacles and events that occurred during his journey, as well as the overall transformation that resulted because of these obstacles/events. Nostos: Nostos is the act of