Everything Changed When the Uruk Nation Attacked

The Epic of Gilgamesh is the earliest surviving written story known to man. The story was etched in Sumerian into clay tablets during the 18th century B.C.E. Avatar: The Last Airbender is a children’s television show that first aired on Nickelodeon in 2005. Despite the 3700 year gap between each stories’ creation, both Gilgamesh and The Last Airbender share key similarities in the development of their plot and characters. 

Both Gilgamesh and ATLA follow a similar plotline. Gilgamesh and Enkidu are both “Chosen Ones.” Gilgamesh is a demigod, kind of the nation Uruk. Enkidu is literally created by the gods, and is described as a, “double for Gilgamesh, a second self, a man who equals his strength and courage.” Similarly, Aang awakes from an iceberg and learns that he, too, is a “Chosen One.” The first season of ATLA unites Aang and his friends as he learns to master the four elements so that he can defeat the Fire Lord. Similarly, the first book of Gilgamesh unites Gilgamesh and Enkidu so that they can slay monsters like Humbaba. 

It is because of Gilgamesh and Aang’s similar motivations that they follow such a similar plots. Gilgamesh and Aang desperately want to prove themselves to the world. Gilgamesh accomplishes this by killing monsters like Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven. Prior to battle(?), Gilgamesh claims, : “I will make a lasting name for myself. I will stamp my fame on men’s minds forever.” Similarly, Aang defeats the Fire Lord and freeing the world from the terrors of the fire nation, proving himself to the people that thought him a deserter and a coward.

There is one major difference between Gilgamesh and ATLA. Aang and Gilgamesh are, in one aspect of their character, total opposites. Aang goes from a humble, shy twelve year old to embracing his identity as the avatar, and coming to terms with his destiny. Gilgamesh, on the other hand, goes from a cruel ruler in pursuit of fame, wealth, and even immortality, to someone who understands the simple value of what it means to be human. 

Despite this difference, the similarities in plot between Gilgamesh and Avatar: The Last Airbender are a testament to the Hero’s Journey in literature, and how even today, The Epic of Gilgamesh remains as relevant of a story today as it was during the 18th Century B.C.E.