Table of ContentsIntroductionDiscussionWorks CitedIntroductionThe Epic of Gilgamesh and The Odyssey both deal with characters who question their mortality due to death. Gilgamesh and Odysseus are motivated by achieving glory and honor. These two stories show how fame can interact with how your life unfolds in the underworld. The more people remember you, the more likely you are to have a pleasant afterlife. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Discussion At the beginning of the epic, Gilgamesh believes that your heroic duties matter most in the afterlife, like Odysseus. Gilgamesh has learned the difficult lesson: he too must face the reality of his own death. These two heroes first believe that through battles and legendary circumstances, they will receive eternal glory. These two characters learned different things while facing death. After facing death, Gilgmesh and Odysseus discover that our accomplishments are not what make you remembered but through meaningful relationships with others. At first, Gilgamesh doesn't worry about death. He thinks that if he dies doing something heroic, people will remember him forever. For him, it's like living forever. Enkidu tries to dissuade Gilgamesh from going to fight, but Gilgamesh responds: “Who, my friend, can ascend to heaven?... But people's days are numbered... Here you too are afraid of death. Of what use is the power of your courage... I must establish eternal fame. (The Epic of Gilgamesh, 20). Gilgamesh's goal is to gain eternal fame. He thinks that fighting this battle with Enkidu will only be a great success, but everything changes after Enkidu dies. Enkidu's death makes Gilgamesh want to live forever. Gilgamesh wants to escape death and tries to learn from Utanapishtim how to live forever. Utnapishtim's hints to end his life as a carefree man and his dreams of immortality and return to the life of humanity and peace. Utnapishtim tells Gilgamesh about the flood. He states that creation also contains the seed of death, meaning that death is inevitable. Utnapishtim tells Gilgamesh about the flood. Gilgamesh doesn't listen. He still wants to be immortal. Utnapishtim told him to stay awake for 6 nights. Gilgamesh sleeps and wakes for seven days. His humanity made him fail the test, no man can stay awake that long. Utnapishtim tells him to give up his fantasy life and return home. After returning to Urk, Gilgamesh achieved his greatest achievement. He built a civilization that will endure long after his death. He didn't need a heroic memory if the people of his house remembered him simply by building the walls to protect them. Like Gilgamesh, Odysseus faced death. He visits the underworld with this crew. The first person he saw was his mother. While Odysseus sought glory and adventure, his family suffered at home. After speaking with his mother, his desire for glory gradually transforms into a desire to return home. Its central value shifts from glory to family honor. He wants to go home and protect his wife and son. Odysseus is then visited by the ghost of Achilles, who was sent to the Underworld after being killed in war. He is king of the underworld for his glory, but he has made it clear that he regrets his own choice: "No winning words about death for me, brilliant Odysseus!" By God, I would rather be a slave on earth for another man – “If only he could.