Elements of the Hero’s Journey

Apotheosis

“Deification,” or making into a god

The Hero becomes a god or is raised to a godlike stature, is exalted

Hero is worshipped as a god

Quick WriteDo you consider Gilgamesh to have

become a ‘god’ in this chapter? Do his actions make him godlike?

How does Gilgamesh’s rejection of a goddess tie into this idea, and how does it show his perception of himself?

Are there any contradictions you can think of between how a ‘god’ should be and between Gilgamesh?

Sacred MarriageHero often forms a special

connection with one character

Connection can serve as a motivation for the Hero to continue when all else seems hopeless

Sacred marriage can be literal

More often it is a symbolic union of two souls

Quick WriteThink about the relationship we’ve

seen between Gilgamesh and Enkidu. How has your perception of Gilgamesh been changed based on his reaction to Enkidu’s death?

How has Gilgamesh been changed as a result of his friend’s death?

Do you see Gilgamesh and Enkidu as “twins” in any way? (Think about Plato’s “other” and “The Good and Evil Twin”)

Pair and ShareFind someone you haven’t

talked with much yet in the class and share your answers!

How has your perception of Gilgamesh been changed based on his reaction to Enkidu’s death?

How has Gilgamesh been changed as a result of his friend’s death?

Do you see Gilgamesh and Enkidu as “twins” in any way? (Think about Plato’s “other” and “The Good and Evil Twin”)