Literature's fictional characters have had a significant impact on how people see themselves and the world around them. They also show a variety of human traits, including heroism, vengeance, and apathy. Homer's Odyssey and Gilgamesh's Epic are two of the most well-known mythological texts for their portrayal of heroic characters. Comparing and contrasting the characteristics and heroic ideals of various mythical heroes can shed light on their differences and similarities. This paper will conduct a side-by-side comparison to determine the similarities and differences between Odysseus and Gilgamesh.

Heroism is a recurring theme in both of the Epic tales. They are men of remarkable physical and mental prowess and dominance. They offer us a sense of what it takes to be a hero, both psychological and physical power. As both heroes confront death, they travel heroically and honorably along their routes, with Odysseus' family enduring hardships due to his long trip in search of knowledge and money (Launderville 231). Both the heroes and the tyrants of the story succumb to their demise. Gilgamesh's message concerning the impending death of man is a resounding success. While Gilgamesh's achievements were godlike, he also realized that one had to appreciate the little things no matter how great they were. Odysseus' trip lasted twenty years, while Gilgamesh took just a single day to realize that everyone must seek the meaning of life. At the end of their journey, they were supposed to bring back some wisdom that they had learned from their experiences in those faraway places (Launderville). He shows no pity for the beast and takes Enkidu's instructions to heart: "Kill the beast immediately, Gilgamesh.”Show no pity for such a cunning adversary." Gilgamesh follows the teachings of the narrator and kills the beast (Launderville 233). On the other hand, Odysseus defeats all of the would-be lovers thanks to the miraculous intervention of Athena and the help of Telemachus and a small band of herders. The katabasis is considered a journey into the magical underworld in many cultures. It is mentioned in this incident that Katabasis will likewise be taken on a voyage across this realm to another level of existence.

Gilgamesh was composed by Shin-Eqi-Unninni, whereas Horner wrote Odyssey. When compared to one another, Odysseus and Gilgamesh exhibit similar friendship, courage, and heroism traits. Odysseus ruled Ithaca after inheriting the crown and was renowned for his fairness, harshness, and diplomacy. Gilgamesh, "the king of Uruk in Babylonia, is a physically powerful and strong man endowed with magical abilities and an overwhelming desire to protect his people" (George 83). Gilgamesh was given the ferocious wild bull in recognition of his oppressive position. According to Homer's Odyssey, he was a hero due to his profound spirituality and readiness to confront adversity. He embodied the virtue of heroism.

Eurylochus, Odysseus' second-in-command, organized a male and female sheep for sacrifice at the beginning of Odysseus' expedition to the north. As a final act of respect, the river's inhabitants buried the deceased in a pit ringed by silhouettes of those who had preceded them in death. It was a method of establishing contact with the dead, who was revered and rewarded for his capacity to connect with the living. Odysseus has accepted the challenge despite the hurdles (Louden 356). Odysseus encountered strong objections from those who loved him, especially his wife and mother. Nonetheless, he perseveres in pursuing his objective, a heroic trait. The Odyssey's numerous noteworthy quotes attest to his moral character and awe-inspiring intelligence.

Additionally, the protagonist of Gilgamesh is two-thirds god and one-third man in the Epic of Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh is a figure in the story due to his superhuman power. As with Odysseus, he is not only brave and tenacious but also miraculously embraced by the populace. Gilgamesh made good use of his authority by ensuring his people's well-being. For example, he constructed wells and cultivated desolate fields for his people, clearing the path across mountains and creating passageways for their entry and exit. He fortified the city of Uruk with fortified walls. Gilgamesh was stubborn in his ideas of the thirst for greatness (George 83). Gilgamesh and Enkidu ventured into a forest forbidden to mortals in a tragic adventure. Thanks to Shamash's divine assistance, they tear down the trees and assassinate the evil Humbaba. The most remarkable feature of Gilgamesh's biography is that he was initially being reviled by the population yet ultimately had a happy and successful life. Gilgamesh's courage foreshadowed the message he intended to deliver to his people.

Gilgamesh and Odysseus, two well-known epic heroes, were compared and contrasted in this essay. They are two heroic heroes from mythological sources, as it becomes clear from this comparison. Individuals can take on new experiences, as demonstrated by both the fabled heroes. As a result, the standard message throughout both myths is that heroic qualities can be gained by anyone willing to confront hardships. However, Odysseus and Gilgamesh do not share all of the same characteristics. For example, when it comes to manipulating others, the latter is more likely to do so, whereas the former is more likely to care about those around him.