Comparison Between Aeneas and Gilgamesh

The archetype of the epic hero is often a complex individual, who may or may not be of divine origin, and whose actions are shaped by varying degrees of interaction with gods and destiny. Tragedy often forms the backdrop against which these heroes act, pushing them towards fulfilling their roles in their respective worlds. Aeneas from The Aeneid and Gilgamesh from The Epic of Gilgamesh are two such characters who embody various aspects of the epic hero.