Read the excerpt from Gilgamesh: A New English
In this excerpt, Gilgamesh is most characterized as
Version.
Gilgamesh, hearing his beloved friend,
• compassionate because he listens to his friend.
came to himself. He yelled, he lifted
O strong because he is triumphant in battle.
his massive axe, he swung it, it tore
O practical because he does what it takes to survive.
into Humbaba's neck, the blood
O confident because he takes unnecessary risks.
shot out, again the axe bit flesh
and bone, the monster staggered, his eyes
rolled, and at the axe's third stroke
he toppled like a cedar and crashed to the ground.