Oedipus The King and The Epic of Gilgamesh: Compare and Contrast

A hero comes in many different forms. It has been proven throughout literature that there is not one ideal appearance for a hero. However, there are specific traits and qualities that a person must have to be classified as a hero. A hero is courageous, knowledgeable, determined, brave, helpful, morally good, and has the ability to learn from his or her mistakes. 

Oedipus was a hero destined for failure. From birth, he was given a grim destiny. Oedipus's fate “goes that Laios, son of Labdakos and king of Thebes, learned long ago from the Delphic oracle (sacred to Apollo) that his son would kill him” (483). Before Oedipus was born, he was meant to kill his father and marry his mother. Instantly, in this tragedy, it is shown that not all heroes are fortunate to have great lives with perfect families and lavish futures. However, knowing his fate, Oedipus does all that he can to prevent this horrible curse. He runs away from who he thinks is his mother and father in order to save his fathers life. Oedipus thinks about his family before himself which is a selfless and heroic thing for him to do. Shortly after running away, Oedipus solved the Sphinx’s riddle which saved numerous lives since the Sphinx had killed many others before him who had tried to solve its puzzling riddle, “The Sphinx was defeated, and Oedipus was welcomed into the city as a savior” (483). Oedipus had the knowledge and wit to understand the riddle and to be the only one to solve it. He helped a city that he did not even rule yet, showing that even though he was not their king, he knew that the morally right thing. Continuing his heroic deeds, Oedipus ends the plague that has been cursed upon Thebes just as he promised. This includes exiling himself. The only way that the plague would end was if the murder of Laios was exiled. Oedipus was determined and had his heart set on doing whatever he could to end the plague. Unfortunately, it does not end well for him since he was the murderer. He asks Kreon to exile him from Thebes since that is what he promised to the people of the city, “Grant my request before I go… Banish me from my homeland” (524). Even though Oedipus was the one who murdered Laios, this does not discount all the bravery and boldness that Oedipus showed trying everything to help his city and his people. Oedipus showed great willpower and passion in helping his people. Even more brave than looking for the murder, Oedipus was brave enough to admit to his fault and keep his promise of exile. Most people would not exile themselves or admit that they were wrong. These things are what made him a hero.

Unlike Oedipus, Gilgamesh did not have his life determined for him. Instead of being a tragedy, The Epic of Gilgamesh is an epic poem. Gilgamesh is a king and as a king, he must protect his city from any harm. Gilgamesh sets out to kill a demon that lives in a forest for immortals. Gilgamesh and his friend kill the demon and come back to the city victorious. He went into a forest in which he could have died since he is mortal. Yet, he had the courage to journey in it to help his people, “People’s days are numbers, whatever they attempt is a puff of air. Here you are, even you, afraid of death, what has become of your bravery’s might? I will go before you, you can call out to me, ‘Go on, be not afraid’’ (49). When his friend questioned the journey Gilgamesh showed just how brave he was. He knew that they had to do this in order to help the city and save people. He was determined and showed great bravery and most importantly helped the greater good which is a heroic act. Gilgamesh loses his friend shortly after due to being arrogant and rude. Even though his flaw ended with a loss he learned a valuable lesson. He questions his mortality leading him to learn about the importance of life, “Shall I not die too? Am I not like Enkidu?” (72). He takes a journey to find eternal life but loses it in the end, “A snake caught the scent of the plant, stealthily it came up and carried the plant away, on its way back it shed its skin” (88). He learned that life is precious and valuable and should not be treated carelessly. He learned that friends and relationships are important and anyone including himself can die. Hero's learn from their mistakes and become wiser. Gilgamesh became more knowledgeable and took the opportunity to learn instead of dismissing the life lesson. 

While Oedipus The King and The Epic of Gilgamesh are extremely different stories, the heroes in each have many similarities that make them heroes. Both Oedipus and Gilgamesh were courageous and brave. Oedipus stood up against the Sphinx and solved the riddle and also set out to find the one who killed Laius while Gilgamesh journeyed into a forest that was not meant for mortals like him and killed a demon. They both were determined and knowledgeable. Oedipus would not rest until he found a way to end the plague in Thebes while Gilgamesh learned about what it means to be mortal and how precious life is and how important friends and family are. Most importantly, both Oedipus and Gilgamesh were morally good. They both had their flaws but that is what makes them heroes. They failed and they were not perfect but they learned from their experiences and always had a good head on their shoulders. As heroes, they did things for others and for the people who looked up to them. 

When most people think of a hero they think of someone big and strong. However, that is not what makes someone a hero. What makes someone a hero is their heart. To be a hero you have to be morally righteous including doing things for the greater good and not being selfish. Both Oedipus and Gilgamesh defended and protected their people. A hero is also courageous, determined, and knowledgeable. Oedipus and Gilgamesh both set out to defend their city and people even though it was scary.