Gilgamesh

1
Gilgamesh

• A Mesopotamian Epic

2
Based on fact

• Gilgamesh believed to be an actual king who
  reigned over the city-state of Uruk, in Sumer,
  sometime between 2700 and 2500
• Became a legendary figure, much like King Arthur
• The oldest fragments of his tales are from 2000 BC

3
The Epic Hero

• Supernatural powers and human weaknesses
• Builds a great city, is a great leader, but
  suffers from excessive pride
• Rejects the love of Ishtar, the goddess of love
  and war
• Results in the death of his best friend, Enkidu

4
Archetype

• A model from which something is developed
• The images, figures, character types, settings,
  and story patterns that are universally shared by
  people across cultures
• Gilgamesh is the archetype for epic heroes

5
Foil

• A character who sets off another character
  through strong contrast
• The foil emphasizes the differences between two
  characters

6
Foil in Action

• Xena
• Warrior
• Tough
• Emotionally rigid
• Experienced
• Spontaneous
• Even physically they are set up as opposites
  Xena is tall and dark, while Gabrielle is short
  and blonde.

• Gabrielle
• Writer
• Young, naïve
• Inexperienced
• Needs a plan
• Likes to talk about emotions

7
Background Info

• Gilgamesh is two-thirds god and one-third human
• He is handsome, courageous, strong impulsive and
  willful
• His people are upset with him because he is a
  tyrant. They pray to the gods for relief.
• The gods send Enkidu to frustrate Gilgamesh, but
  they become BFFs
• They are looking for an adventure that will bring
  them fame confronting the guardian of the
  forestthe evil giant, Humbaba