Essay Oedipus Rex and Gilgamesh - 1034 Words

No two men are alike in the way they act, the way they think, or the way they look. However, every man has a little something from the other. Although Oedipus and Gilgamesh are entirely different people, they are still very similar. Each one, in their own way, is exceptionally brave, heroically tragic, and both encompass diverse strengths and weaknesses. One is strictly a victim of fate and the other is entirely responsible for his own plight. Out of the two men, Gilgamesh was far braver than Oedipus. He risked his life a number of times when he was in the company of his friend Enkidu. In addition, he risked his life following Enkidus death whilst he went to uncover the secret of life and death to save Enkidu. Gilgamesh believed†¦show more content†¦Oedipus tragedy led him, not to want to die, but to live in total emptiness. I would not rest Till I had poisoned up this body of shame In total blankness. For the mind to dwell Beyond the reach of pain, were peace indeed (Sophocles, 64). His pain was so immense that even death was too superior for him. He chose to remove his eyesight because he felt that he was too undeserving of death, that a life of blindness would be a more superior form of punishment for him. Oedipus demonstrated great strengths while he lived in the city of Thebes. He was a very caring man; when his people needed aid [he] willingly would do anything to help [them] (Sophocles, 26). When the people of Thebes asked Oedipus to bring their land back to normal, he did everything he could to find out who was polluting the earth. Oedipus was also a very prosperous and successful man. He was the ...Greatest of men; he held the key to the deepest mysteries; [and] Was envied by all his fellow-men for his great prosperity...(Sophocles, 68). People from distant lands knew the name of Oedipus; he who conquered the Sphynx and helped Thebes become a flourishing city once again. However, King Oedipus also had his weaknesses. When Teiresias came to Thebes, he tried to save Oedipus from the agony of what he was asked to tell him, I mean to spare you, and myself. Ask me No more. It is useless. I will tell you nothing (Sophocles,Show MoreRelatedEpic Journeys towards Improvement in The Epic of Gilgamesh and Oedipus Rex670 Words   |  3 Pagesreadings, The Epic of Gilgamesh and Oedipus Rex, both protagonists embark in an epic journey to either better themselves, or their kingdoms. Gilgamesh slays a monster with the help of Enkidu for fame, but then leaves his kingdom of Uruk to go on a quest for immortality. Oedipus outsmarts a monster and saves the city of Thebes once, but then has to save it once more by leaving Thebes. Both protagonists have similarities and differences in each of their journeys. 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