Gilgamesh...not so great.

Gilgamesh is a prominent character through the novel and is depicted as a very strong and independent person. He is supposedly very powerful, and his abilities are underscored through the novel. He is also a great warrior and knight, and works hard on the battlefield. However I think what makes this novel interesting is the fact that it’s not all about how great Gilgamesh is. Although he is portrayed to the readers and to the citizens as a upstanding person and someone to be revered, he clearly has flaws just like any other human being and if you examine the novel closely, you can find them as well.

Like all men, Gilgamesh has his own needs and desires and he will do anything to satisfy them. He is ambitious and works towards his goals, whether that means satisfying his cravings for certain foods, or for women, usually in disrespectful ways. This could mean raping the wife of another man or the sister of a friend, or a newly wed bride, he will take advantage of her.

It is upsetting that someone so powerful, promising, and intelligent has such a bad side to him. There isn’t much anyone can do to stop him or even advise him especially because he is the leader and does not expect that anyone can tell him what to do. Most would be scared to bring this up and have concluded that it is easier to just deal with his tactics. I think this sort of brings attention to the fact that he isn’t a great leader, because he is just instilling fear instead of real respect and leadership.