It’s quite fun to compare and contrast stories. The plots can be compared and contrasted to show the similarities and differences between characters. Comparing two stories can be easier than contrasting them. It is not uncommon for authors to be inspired by another story in order to create their own. For this reason, you will find some similarities between The Epic of Gilgamesh as well as differences. When comparing, it is important to note the similarities and differences between Odysseuss and Gilgamesh.
Odysseuss is the ancient king from Ithaca. Gilgamesh too was a king of ancient times. Odysseuss is shown to be strong in many ways. Odysseus showed strength when he stated, “I want to return home… That is my unfailing wish.” Odysseus became distracted during the entire novel. Some of the places he has visited he wished he could stay. Odysseuss met mythical creatures, such as cyclops. But he was determined to return to Penelope. Gilgamesh also had a lot of strength. Gilgamesh’s half-god, half-human nature is revealed in the tale. Gilgamesh is a leader because he has been called a God, even though he’s only half god. Gilgamesh is similar to Odysseus in this way.
Odysseuss hung out with gods and acted like one. Gilgamesh is a god-like character, yet he doesn’t show off his divinity. Gilgamesh, like Odysseuss, is confident. Gilgamesh has a higher strength than Odysseuss due to his part-god nature, but he also had a high level of confidence when battling the Trojan War. Odysseuss survived because of this confidence and was able go back to Penelope. Gilgamesh had the same confidence and was therefore chosen as king. There are similarities and differences between Odysseus, Gilgamesh.
Odysseuss, and Gilgamesh are two characters that have many similarities but also some differences. Gilgamesh could be viewed as selfish depending on the way you view it. Gilgamesh was arrogant when he said, “He walks round in the enclosure at Uruk. Like a bull, he raises his head and makes himself look mighty.” Gilgamesh, the king in this story, also wants attention. Gilgamesh was not very caring or protective of those he was meant to be watching over. He would murder people who he could have protected. Odyseuss is not selfish like Gilgamesh. Odyseuss spent a lot of time with the Gods, but also cared about and respected his people. He would go to any lengths to protect citizens of Ithaca. It is for that reason he went into war. People might believe that Gilgamesh has a bad character if they look at the comparison. He is not a bad man, but an ineffective leader with a negative impact on his people.
Gilgamesh’s and Odysseuss’s comparisons are not limited to the ones mentioned above. Gilgamesh, like Odysseuss, makes mistakes. Gilgamesh was, as we have already said, a bad leader. He wasn’t a very good person, nor did he show respect to his people. Odyseuss was not exempt from making mistakes. Odyseuss wished to remain with Calypso sometimes. In the end, he realized that home was with Penelope & Telemachus. In general, we find similarities and difference between Gilgamesh’s story and that of Odysseus when comparing both the Epic of Gilgamesh & the Odyssey. Homer wrote similar tales to the Epic of Gilgamesh, so we can find more similarities. The reader can then enjoy the story more by pointing out the comparisons. Comparing two stories shows how similar or different the main characters are in two novels.
