Gilgamesh

Gilgamesh: History’s First ‘Superhero’

Who doesn’t love a good hero story? We’re in a golden age of superheroes when it comes to the cinema. Every summer there’s a new costume-clad crime fighter here to dish out some justice and send the evil-doers on their way with a split lip and bruised ego. We’ve all grown up with superheroes in one way or another. Be it through these films, cartoons, or comic books (that last one may be for the super-fans or your grown-ups, mind).

Heroes are great. They’re some of the first idols we have, people to look up to and be inspired by to make the right choices and to grow up into decent, kind people who try to make the best of ourselves and the world around us. Even when it seems like all is lost and the villains have the upper hand, heroes don’t falter. They always know what to do and what is right, and they’re always there in the nick of time.

But where did this idea of a superhero come from? It’s easy to think that these characters are simply reiterations of the ancient gods; a few of them are even re-imaginings of those figures (yes, that means you, Thor). But the myth of the hero with abilities beyond that of the common man dates back beyond even the ancient Greeks by a good measure of a millennium.

The Real First Avenger

That hero was Gilgamesh, the ancient Mesopotamian demigod. He was a legendary figure in their history and mythology, blending the two. From what information about him has survived through rediscovery and reiterations today, it’s safe to say that Gilgamesh serves as a bit of a prototype for the modern superhero figure we have today.

Gilgamesh was the king of the Sumerian city of Uruk, ruling roughly around the time of 2900-2350 BC. Yes, you read that right, allegedly he reigned for over a hundred years. Check on in the box for superbeing. However, he wasn’t known initially for being a nice ruler. Gilgamesh was very much tyrannical at first but came to grow into a much wiser and self-aware ruler as a result of his exploits. A character who changes for the better is also a hallmark of a modern hero. These aren’t his only shared traits, Gilgamesh was a man of extraordinary strength beyond that of a mere mortal. And he has what any protagonist needs, a series of extraordinary foes and challenges to test his might as a hero.

Gilgamesh And His Exploits

In the first Sumerian poem, Gilgamesh, sets out to defeat Huwawa (also known as Humbaba), the fearsome guardian of the Cedar Forest. Huwawa terrifies all who approach with his monstrous appearance and supernatural powers. Despite the dangers, Gilgamesh ultimately slays Huwawa, cutting down the sacred cedar trees.

In another tale, the goddess Ishtar, enraged by Gilgamesh’s rejection of her marriage proposal, sends the Bull of Heaven to wreak havoc on Uruk. The Bull causes widespread destruction, threatening the city and its people. Gilgamesh subsequently confronts the divine beast, saving Uruk from its devastation. Another example tells the story of the conflict between Gilgamesh and King Agga of Kish. Agga, an older ruler and former overlord of Uruk, demands submission from Gilgamesh and his city. Refusing to be subjugated, Gilgamesh rallies the people of Uruk to resist Agga’s demands. Through clever tactics and strong leadership, Gilgamesh defeats Agga, solidifying his independence and further establishing his reputation as a formidable warrior and leader.

Immortality

Earliest evidence points to his stories being told largely through poems inscribed on tablets, and these epic tales steadily evolved as they were told through the generations. They were standalone stories of his battles with monsters, bulls of heaven, and his ongoing quest for immortality. Later these were collected into what is now known as the Epic of Gilgamesh during the Babylonian period, and is largely responsible for the myth prevailing still today. While the epic was lost for some time, it was rediscovered by archaeologists in the 19th century. This kickstarted a new fascination with Gilgamesh and his story has since been adapted many times, possibly as early as ancient Greece with Hercules bearing many similarities, to the heroes of today. Indeed, Marvel even made their own version of him, albeit that he appears in that rather forgettable Eternals film.

The story of Gilgamesh, though ancient, resonates with us even today. His journey from tyrant to hero, from a man fearing death to one who finds meaning in the legacy he leaves behind, is a timeless tale of transformation and the human condition. Just as his name has echoed through millennia, his tale continues to inspire, reminding us that true heroism lies not in supernatural strength, but in the courage to grow, the wisdom to seek, and the will to endure. As the original superhero, Gilgamesh set the stage for countless heroes to come, proving that while times may change, the essence of heroism remains—if you’ll pardon the pun—eternal.