Comparing Odyssey And The Epic Of Gilgamesh

“The Odyssey” written by Homer in the 8th century, is an epic poem, and “The Epic of Gilgamesh” was written by an unknown source in 1300 BC, and is also an epic poem. In both the Odyssey and The Epic of Gilgamesh, one major issue the main characters, Odysseus and Gilgamesh, share are facing temptation, in the Odyssey, Odysseus had fallen into temptation because of the nymph Calypso which led him to be imprisoned on her island for seven years. In The Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh became tempted by immortality, to save his friend Enkidu. In other words, both Gilgamesh and Odysseus face major consequences because they had given into temptation, Odysseus had to extend his journey for 7 more years, that is 7 more years away from his home and his

During on this voyage his ship was struggling at sea when Calypso, a beautiful nymph, saves him and brings him onto her island. While Odysseus is there Calypso seduces him and enslaves him, trying to make him her immortal husband forever, on her island for 7 years. Gilgamesh, a half god, half man tyrant king that ruled over Uruk, and Enkidu, who was a destructive, wild, and a faithful friend fought many enemies together. Then, out of nowhere Enkidu gets very sick therefore dies a little later on, Gilgamesh takes the loss of his best friend very hard and is willing to do anything to get him back. Gilgamesh goes out on his journey to save Enkidu he meets his mentor Siduri, the wine goddess, once Gilgamesh tells her why he is doing all of this she informs him about Utnapishtim. Once he reaches Utnapishtim, he is given the knowledge of the plant that grows underwater that could save his friend. After this GIlgamesh is tempted by the plant and would not stop at anything to get it and save his friend. Both of these characters fall into temptation whether it is being unfaithful and sleeping with a goddess who seduced him or putting himself in jeopardy in order to save his