The Heroes Of Gilgamesh, Rama, And Aeneas - 1734 Words

There have been many heroes throughout history, but only the ones with the best qualities are able to stand out and deserving of their memory to live on through stories and monuments. They display qualities that are morally accepted and generally a man with a mission. Gilgamesh, Rama, and Aeneas come from Mesopotamian, Hindu, and Roman culture, respectively, and they all display heroic traits that make them deserving of a monument in their memory. Gilgamesh, especially, who at first to the people was not a deserving figure to have his accomplishments recalled to later generations. Gilgamesh has his own flaws like anyone else, but his actions concerning courageousness and bravery make him stick out from other heroes. When Gilgamesh declares, â€Å"because of the evil that is in the land, we will go to the forest, and destroy the evil; for in the forest lives Humbaba† (Dalley, 67), it shows that Gilgamesh is not afraid of challenging even the most ferocious creatures that threat en him and the people around him like Aeneas when his town was being raided. Aeneas knew his duty was to protect his people, and it was better to die in battle, and have his name remembered for his bravery in protecting Troy. A true hero fights to the end and does everything he is capable to accomplish what must be done. Even if he is to fall, Gilgamesh states, â€Å"I leave behind me a name that endures† (Dally, 67). Gilgamesh lives this quote out when he chooses to go fight Humbaba with Enkidu; he also lives