Comparison and Contrast: Gilgamesh and Beowulf Epic poems have been written since the days of Sumer and ancient Greece, weaving glorious tales of brave heroes that went on impeccable journeys in search for great treasure. Among the oldest epics are Gilgamesh and Beowulf, with the two heroes both going on quests - one to seek eternal life, and the other to seek glory. However, both Gilgamesh and Beowulf are not heroes. Regardless of how brave …showed first 75 words of 921 total…

…showed last 75 words of 921 total…surrounded by treasure and gold, Beowulf orders to have his tomb placed by the sea so everyone would know and remember him. Both Gilgamesh and Beowulf may be brave and determined enough to go on quests in search for a great treasure, but such foolish qualities as greed, irrationality and selfishness do not seem to be idealistic qualities embodied by their civilizations. They may be great individuals and rulers, but they are not epic heroes.