The Gilgamesh Epic (Cyclopedia of Literary Characters)
At a glance:
- First Published: 2000
- Type of Work: Poetry
- Type of Plot: Adventure
- Time of Work: Antiquity
- Setting: The ancient world
- Genres: Poetry, Epic, Narrative poetry
- Subjects: Literature, Friendship, Death or dying, Gods or goddesses, Biblical times, Heroes or heroism, Life, philosophy of, Mortality, Joy or sorrow, Walls
- Locales: Ancient world
Characters Discussed
Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk, a demigod. He is the wisest, strongest, and most handsome of mortals. In earth-shaking combat, he overcomes Engidu, who has been fashioned by Aruru to be his rival. After the battle, the heroes become inseparable friends and companions through a series of heroic exploits. After Engidu dies, the grieving Gilgamesh seeks for and finds his friend in the land of the dead.
Engidu, a demigod formed by Aruru to be a rival to Gilgamesh. Vanquished by Gilgamesh, he becomes the hero’s inseparable companion and goes with him to...
[The entire page is 542 words long]

