Analysis of Internal and Eternal Journeys Within Gilgamesh

Journeys within Gilgamesh: Internal and external The Epic of Gilgamesh details two fundamental types of heroic journeys or questions: external and internal ones. The first journey is an external one, in which Gilgamesh proves himself to be the most valiant of all warriors, overcoming Enkidu and Humbaba. The second type of journey is an internal one, in which Gilgamesh seeks to understand the meaning of life, after the death of his beloved friend Enkidu. When Gilgamesh realizes that his strength is meaningless in the face of the gods and he cannot triumph over death, he realizes he must seek another answer to the problems of life. The first books of Gilgamesh establish the leader as a brave and proud warrior, highlighting his triumph over external struggles. Gilgamesh begins the epic a tyrannical leader, a man of such great strength and sexual prowess that he challenges the gods. His people are miserable, as they are forced to be subjected to Gilgamesh raping their women and dominating over them politically and through brute force in various physical exhibitions of strength he arranges. The gods create Enkidu to challenge Gilgamesh, but Gilgamesh even bests Enkidu in his most impressive physical feat to date. However, Gilgamesh befriends Enkidu and the two of them form a bond surpassing that which Gilgamesh has felt for women. Through his physical overcoming of Enkidu and his civilization of the other man, Gilgamesh begins to show more of an inner life than he didShow MoreRelated A Jungian Analysis of the Epic of Gilgamesh Essay3198 Words   |  13 PagesA Jungian Analysis of the Epic of Gilgamesh   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This paper will provide a unique, psychological perspective on a timeless story that is alive with mythological and religious splendor. I must state clearly that this is not the first time that Gilgamesh has been viewed in the light of the philosophy of Jung.   One of two Jung essays I happened upon while preparing my research was the Psychology of Religion. Although I initially felt that this source would provide little help with my paper, IRead MoreAncient Eastern Thought and the Old Testament Essay10692 Words   |  43 Pagescritical Reconstructionist claims. Integrated Role There are three roles for comparative studies: â€Å"1) critical analysis, 2) defense of biblical text, and 3) exegesis of the biblical text.† Critical Analysis -- Critical analysis is helpful in supplying data needed to evaluate and amend scholars who may be predisposed to verify or frustrate confessional conclusions. Critical analysis can expand understanding of historical proceedings as they are reconstructed. Defense of Biblical Text -- Comparative