Hero Journey

Hero journey

According to the steps of the hero journey, those who want to be a true hero, must have an unusual birth, a special experience and an adventure. In ancient Mesopotamia. Only people who finish the journey can be called a hero. True heroes have power so that they should protect others. The difference between a true hero and an anti-hero is here. They have to devote to others. In the epic of Gilgamesh translated by Stephen Mitchell. Gilgamesh and Enkidu seem to be true heroes but in some ways they are anti-heroes. Finally they successfully finish the hero journey. By learning that their purpose is to protect others, both of them learn to love their own life.

Enkidu used to be an anti-hero in many ways. He supported Gilgamesh killed Humbaba just for be fame but Humbaba didn’t do anything bad to them. He also cursed Shamhat with the ultimate curse. He cursed her never may you have a home and a family. Never may you caress a child of your own. May your man prefer younger and prettier girls. May he beat you as a housewife beats a rug. May your roof keep leaking and no carpenter fix it. May a tavern wall be you place of business.(book VII) However, he changed after Shamash talked to him, he blessed people and his brother Gilgamesh. He also protect Gilgamesh use his whole life. He do finish the hero journey, so he is a true hero in the end.

Gilgamesh used to be an anti-hero in many ways. He went to killed Humbaba because he want to be famous only. He wanted to be remembered by the people forever. He thinks Humbaba is evil but Humbaba never do anything bad to his country and his citizens. Humbaba just protect the cedar forest. However Gilgamesh said I will be famous. People will know my name forever. He didn’t care about anything but himself. He is selfish. After his brother Enkidu died, he shows his selfish again. He care more about will he died instead of his friend. He fear of death so he gave up his country and went on the trip to find a way that can make him alive forever. On the way, he was told that’s impossible to have an eternal life. However, he still keep going and killed someone that he thought is bad although they didn’t even hurt him. It seemed like he just kill for fun.  

Gilgamesh is a true hero at last cause he transformed at last, he enjoyed his life and what he have had. He used to be selfish, he was vanity. He fear of death and tried to find a way can live forever. In his journey, he was told that’s impossible to get eternal life. His fate is already doomed. However, he still tried to find the eternal life only because of his fear. When he got back to his city. He found that the life is wonderful and he already have a better life than others, he shows his temple, walls, and his city. He understand that you should enjoy your own life. He finished the hero journey and became a true hero. Also there are some other points to show this. He is the strongest man in the world. He loves Enkidu and mourned him for a long time. He killed Bull of heaven and fought with the evil god. Whatever, he finished his hero journey in the end. He is a true hero in the end.