In literature and mythology heroes are important because they personify the qualities we admire. Typically, a hero embodies all of the qualities that we expect of a kind and just person. In addition, heroes go beyond these qualities by using their special abilities, such as strength or intelligence, to brave death and overcome evil. Being one third man and two thirds divine, strength and power come easily to Gilgamesh. The only things that cause the reader to question Gilgamesh as a hero are how he wields his power initially and how he deals with death. Therefore, Gilgamesh is an example of the classic hero with only two exceptions; as a youth he was not respectful to the people of Uruk and he seems overly afraid of death.
In his younger days Gilgamesh was no hero. In fact, before the coming of Enkidu Gilgamesh was rather full of himself. At this time Gilgamesh was a being unequaled in the areas of strength and speed. Possibly the only thing greater than Gilgamesh’s strength was the size of his ego. The people of Uruk notice this shortcoming and comment that Gilgamesh’s, ”arrogance has no bounds” (19). Sadly, his arrogance was accompanied with an extensive abuse of power. Meaning that, Gilgamesh seems to rule over the people only to satisfy himself. This causes the people to cry out against Gilgamesh for he, “leaves no virgin to her lover” (19). Thankfully, Gilgamesh learns a new attitude when the Gods create a companion for him.
Upon the coming of Enkidu Gilgamesh reforms his old ways. After an exhausting fight ending in a draw, Gilgamesh and Enkidu become life-long companions. Upon the seal of this great friendship, Gilgamesh reforms his arrogant nature and learns courage and bravery. We first see evidence of this new found bravery as Gilgamesh and Enkidu travel to battle Humbaba. When questioned by his companion about the sanity of attacking the powerful Humbaba Gilgamesh replies, “...there is nothing to fear! ...if I fall then behind me a name endures”(23). This is the type of brave or macho attitude that we expect of our heroes. Also, this quote shows how far Gilgamesh has come since his early days when the townspeople despised him. As surely as Uruk’s ruler found his courage, soon enough he will experience another change in character.
Gilgamesh’s fear of death defies the traditional characteristics of a hero. This fear caused by the loss of his brotherly companion Enkidu, left Gilgamesh frightened and confused. Soon, the overwhelming grief filled his heart and replaced the pride that he had previously displayed. This fear might cause the reader to question Gilgamesh. For how can a man afraid of the fate of all people be considered brave? Almost in answer to this question, Gilgamesh goes on one last quest to search for everlasting life which he plans to share with all the old men of Uruk. Thus Gilgamesh proves his bravery and loyalty to his people, and while he fails to rid the world of death, he is certainly assured the title, hero.

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