In many great works of literature a hero is depicted. But many people have different meanings of this word. I think a hero can be best described as someone who can make you believe in yourself when you are afraid, overcome adversity, face danger, and be a leader. The stories of Gilgamesh, Sakuntala, and Sohrab & Rostam all show examples of heroism and strength. These literary works are grand masterpieces of their era and all encompass the very unique quality of heroism.

In the epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh is a warrior who steps up against much stronger enemies and remains fearless, which is a vital characteristic of a true hero, “Adad the god of the storm endowed him with courage.” (13). He was the king of Uruk, and there he led troops into battle and flexed his heroic muscle. The character Enkidu is a very good friend of Gilgamesh and he convinces Enkidu not to be afraid against a demon, Humbaba, that they are about to encounter:

Then Enkidu called out to Gilgamesh, “Do not go down into the forest; when I opened the gate my hand lost its strength.” Gilgamesh answered him, “Dear friend, do not speak like a coward. Have we got the better of so many dangers and tra

veled so far, to turn back at last? You, who are tried in wars and battles, hold close to me now and you will feel no fear of death. (21)

King Dusyanta is certainly powerful. Since he entered the hermitage, our rites have not been hindered. Why talk of fixing arrows? The mere twang of his bowstring clears away menacing demons as if his bow roared with death. (767)

Another encounter that the two friends face is the Bull of Heaven, who is sent by Inanna and her father who are mad at Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh fearlessly sought the Bull of Heaven, “he seized the thick of its tail, he thrust the sword between the nape and the horns and slew the bull.” (27). The epic of Gilgamesh shows multiple examples of heroics acted out by Gilgamesh.

A hero, and a leader, can be shown in fact that Gilgamesh can persuade Enkidu, and he can trust Gilgamesh to not be afraid. When the two finally battle the demon Humbaba great heroics can be shown in their gruesome attack on the much bigger, Humbaba:

Some topics in this essay:
Gilgamesh Gilgamesh, Sohrab Rostam, King Dusyanta, Afrasiyab I’ll, Iran Sohrab, Bull Heaven, Sakuntala Dusyanta’s, Classic Literature, Sohrab Rostam’s, Throughout Dusyanta, idea hero, overcome adversity, sohrab rostam, sakuntala sohrab rostam, hero described believe, afraid overcome, demon humbaba, bull heaven, danger leader, gilgamesh sakuntala, sakuntala sohrab, yourself afraid overcome, afraid overcome adversity, son rostam, described believe yourself,