The similarities of Gilgamesh and Shrek
By Bena DeCenzo
A lot of times two good friends look different on the outside, but, are really quite similar on the inside. Gilgamesh is an Epic originally written 2100 BC, in the language Akkadian. Later, it was translated into English by Stephen Mitchell. We will be comparing and contrasting Gilgamesh to the modern story Shrek. Gilgamesh and Shrek are similar in the way that they both take a while to grow fond of someone, and they have to fight against a harsh creature to gain something. They differ in the way that, Gilgamesh is thought of in a hero perspective, while Shrek is an outcast and people despise him.
A lot of the time, you aren't so sure about someone until you really get to know them. In Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh is not very keen on Enkidu in the beginning of the story. He ends up having to fight Enkidu to realize his feelings. Mitchell translates: “Gilgamesh, raging, stepped up and seized him, huge arms gripped huge arms, foreheads crashed like wild bulls, the two men staggered, they pitched against houses, the doorpost trembled, the outer walls shook, they careened through the streets, they grappled each other… Finally, Gilgamesh threw the wild man, and with his right knee pinned him to the ground… They embraced and kissed. They held hands like brothers. They walked side by side. They became true friends.” (P. 89-90) Similar to this, in Shrek, at first Shrek detested Donkey, but, after pushing him away, he began to miss him. Then after that, Shrek enjoyed putting up with Donkey. Sometimes you just have to be patient and give people another chance.
These two excellent stories are also similar in whom they fought against. In Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh and Enkidu go on a long heroic journey to defeat the mighty Humbaba, guardian of Cedar forest, to achieve a name for Gilgamesh. But, right as they had reached their destination, Gilgamesh starts to regret this heroic journey and is filled with fear. “They had reached the edge of cedar forest. They could hear Humbaba's terrifying roar. Gilgamesh stopped. He was trembling. Tears flowed down his cheeks. ‘O Shamash,’ he cried, ‘protect me on this dangerous journey. Remember me, help me, hear my prayer.’” (P. 116) In comparison, in Shrek, Shrek and Donkey go on an exhausting timely journey to save the princess who is locked up in a tower, because Shrek feels this will help people trust him and think fondly of him. But, when they get there, Shrek immediately feels aghast when he sees the treacherous dragon protecting the princess in the tower. In both of these stories, they go on long adventures to gain something for themselves, but identically, they get filled with fright when the time has come.
Gilgamesh and Shrek have a lot of similarities, but, they also have things that they differ in. Gilgamesh is thought of as a strong, mighty king, whom no one can overcome. “Surpassing all kings, powerful and tall beyond all others, violent, splendid, a wild bull of a man, unvanquished leader, hero in the front lines, beloved by his soldiers-fortress they called him, protector of the people… two thirds devine, one third human, son of king Lugalbanda, who became a god… He opened mountain passes, dug wells on the slopes, crossed the vast ocean, sailed to the rising sun, journeyed to the edge of the world, in search of eternal life… Who is like Gilgamesh? What other king has inspired such awe? Who else can say, ‘I alone rule, supreme among mankind’?” (P. 71-72) In distinctive to, in Shrek, Shrek is thought of as a ugly, horrible monster who no one dares to come in contact with. Only the bravest of souls will dare to see him. As you can see in these two stories, they might have things in common, but, the main characters are thought of in very different lights.
Gilgamesh and Shrek have lots of similarities and differences. In both stories, Gilgamesh and Shrek have trouble enjoying the company of someone else. They also both have to go on a long journey to gain something. But, along with that, they are thought of in different lights. Gilgamesh is thought of in a high noble light, whereas Shrek is thought of in a dangerous dark light. It is interesting to compare two stories that are from two completely different times. Isn’t it so astonishing that a story from 2100 BC could have any correlations with a story from 1990. But, if you look into both you can see that there are many key elements from Gilgamesh that still often appear in modern day stories. Isn’t it so fascinating that some story elements from over 4000 years ago are still relevant today?
