Similarities Between The Epic Of Gilgamesh And Antigone

Two Kings Are Humbled In our two stories, The Epic of Gilgamesh and Antigone, the people are ruled by imposing monarchs: Gilgamesh and Creon, respectively, who each use their power in differing ways. While Gilgamesh has â€Å"arrogance [having] no bounds by day or night,† (62), Creon, king of Thebes and protagonist in Antigone, admits that his worthiness in leadership will only be proven in action (140-42). Creon wants to be an ideal ruler, stating that as â€Å"supreme guardian of the State† he will always put the common welfare above friendship, and consider those who do not help the country prosper to be enemies. Gilgamesh, who â€Å"sounds the tocsin [alarm bell] for his amusement† and takes virgins from their lovers (62, 68), is uncaring and†¦show more content†¦Failure greets him, but he learns too: â€Å"You were given the kingship, such was your destiny, everlasting life was not your destiny,† Enlil decrees (118), showing us that immortality would give Gilgames h more power, but not happiness. Clearly, both kings are unwavering, and that can be a great trait or a folly. In the case of Gilgamesh, he is triumphant in his arguably foolhardy struggle against Humbaba, and while failing to gain eternal life, learns a valuable lesson: do not be haughty and unjust, but rather a shepherd to your people, smart, wise, and fair in your dealings with your servants and subjects (62, 118). Creon stays true to his decision too, but it instead results in disaster and tragedy. When protested by his friends and family, he resorts to personal attacks, accusing Teiresias of providing â€Å"shameful counsels in fair words to earn a bribe† (707-08), and Haemon of being the â€Å"slave of a woman† for supporting Antigone (628), despite his argument being on her cause’s merits alone, and not even mentioning their engagement to be wed. It is only when Teiresias proclaims that the gods will strike him down for his actions (730-52) that Creon turns around, but it is too late as A ntigone, Haemon, and Eurydice, Creon’s wife, have all committed suicide over the dreadful matter. Creon is distraught. Depressingly, there is noShow MoreRelatedThe Stories Of Antigone, Gilgamesh, And Genesis1091 Words   |  5 PagesThe stories of Antigone, Gilgamesh, and Genesis were stories that are applicable even in situations happening today. These all have universal themes and have symbols. These stories are iconic because the way the authors’ composed the stories. The authors used literary devices to portray underlying messages. These stories have common elements, such as theme, even though they were written in different decades. A common theme between Antigone, Gilgamesh, and Genesis is the bond within siblings. In the