Write an essay comparing these two (2) heroic figures from ancient epics of different cultures, especially focusing your analysis on the sources about their encounters with monsters: Gilgamesh encounters the monster guarding the forest, Humbaba, in Tablets 3-5 of the Epic of Gilgamesh and Odysseus encounters Polyphemus the Cyclops in Book 9 of The Odyssey. Your paper should contain the following . . .
- a) Compare Gilgamesh and Odysseus as to their heroic qualities, noting similarities and differences, using specific examples from the epics.
- b) Summarize what this indicates about differences between ancient Mesopotamian and Greek cultures in their ideals and expectations.
- c) From this comparison, suggest ways that current cultural ideals and expectations shape modern notions about role models and heroes
