Read the excerpt from Gilgamesh: A New English Version.Gilgamesh said, "Courage, dear brother,this is no time to give in to fear.We have come so far, across so many mountains,and our journey is about to reach its goal.You were raised in the wild, with your own handsyou have killed marauding lions and wolves,you are brave, your heart has been tested in combat.Though your arms feel weak now and your legs tremble,you are a warrior, you know what to do.Shout out your battle-cry, let your voice poundlike a kettle drum. Let your heart inspire youto be joyous in battle, to forget about death.If we help each other and fight side by side,we will make a lasting name for ourselves, we will stamp our fame on men’s minds forever.”
Read the excerpt from Gilgamesh: A New English Version.Gilgamesh answered, "Dear friend, dear brother,I cannot kill Humbaba alone.Please stay here with me. Stand at my side.‘Two boats lashed together will never sink.A three-ply rope is not easily broken.’If we help each other and fight side by side,what harm can come to us? Let us go onand attack the monster. We have come so far.Whatever you are feeling, let us go on.”
What evidence from Gilgamesh: A New English Version best supports the conclusion that Gilgamesh is an epic hero? Select 3 options.Gilgamesh said, “Courage, dear brother, / this is no time to give in to fear.”Dread surged through Gilgamesh, terror flooded / his muscles, his heart froze, his mouth went dry, / his legs shook, his feet were rooted to the ground.Gilgamesh felt his courage return. / They charged at Humbaba like two wild bulls.Gilgamesh dropped his axe, appalled. / Enkidu said, “Courage, dear friend, / Close your ears to Humbaba’s curses.”He yelled, he lifted / his massive axe, he swung it, it tore / into Humbaba’s neck
Read the excerpt from Gilgamesh: A New English Version.Gilgamesh backed away, He said,"How dreadful Humbaba’s face has become! It is changing into a thousand nightmare faces, more horrible than I can bear.I feel haunted. I am too afraid to go on.”Enkidu answered, "Why, dear friend, do you speak like a coward? What you just said is unworthy of you. It grieves my heart.We must not hesitate or retreat.Two intimate friends cannot be defeated.Be courageous. Remember how strong you are. I will stand by you. Now let us attack.”Gilgamesh felt his courage return.They charged at Humbaba like two wild bulls.
Read a student’s analysis of Gilgamesh: A New English Version.Gilgamesh is an epic hero partly because he is a strong, effective leader who believes in teamwork. For example, when Enkidu expresses fear about continuing on the journey, Gilgamesh tells Enkidu that he needs help killing Humbaba and encourages him to persevere. Moved by the speech, Enkidu decides to continue on with the mission.
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