Comparing and contrasting two stories can actually be very interesting. It shows how similar and different the characters are from each other, and it can show how similar and different the plots are. When it comes to comparing and contrasting two stories, it is usually easier to compare certain aspects than to contrast. Sometimes authors take inspiration from stories to write theirs, which is why we can find similarities, but also differences, between the Odyssey and The Epic of Gilgamesh. One main detail that can be pointed out when comparing is who Gilgamesh and Odyseuss are. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Odysseus was the king of Ithaca. Gilgamesh was also an ancient king. Odysseus shows several examples of a strong person. An example of Odysseus' strength is when he says, "I long to return home... This is my ever-renewed wish." » Throughout the novel, Ulysses allowed himself to be distracted. Sometimes he wanted to stay on certain lands that he had visited. Ulysses also encountered mythical creatures like the Cyclops for example. However, he wanted to return home, to Penelope, and he fought. Gilgamesh was also a strong person. In the story it says that “Gilgamesh was called a god and a man.” Gilgamesh was half god, half human. By being called a god, given that he was part god, Gilgamesh was most likely a strong leader. This is also how Gilgamesh and Ulysses are alike. Odysseus would always hang around the gods and act like he was just one. Gilgamesh, being part God, doesn't really brag about it, but still shows these traits throughout the story. Another example of the similarity between Gilgamesh and Odysseuss is their trust. Since Gilgamesh was part god, he is considered stronger than Odysseus, but he was very confident during the Trojan War. This trust is what allowed Odysseus to stay alive and be able to return to Penelope. Gilgamesh was also very confident, which is why he was chosen to be king. Although many elements can be compared in Odysseus and Gilgamesh, there are also some differences. Although Odysseus and Gilgamesh have a lot in common, they are also very different characters. Gilgamesh can be seen as a selfish character depending on how you view him. An example of his selfishness is when the narrator says: "He walks in the enclosure of Uruk, like a wild bull, he makes himself mighty, with his head held high." » This quote shows that Gilgamesh can be very arrogant. Additionally, in the story, Gilgamesh just wanted attention, as if being king wasn't enough for him. In the story, Gilgamesh did almost nothing to care for or protect those he was meant to care for. He would kill people he should have been wary of. Unlike Gilgamesh, Odysseus was not as selfish as Gilgamesh. Yes, Odysseus always associated with the gods, but he respected and watched over his subjects. He would do everything he could to protect the citizens of his home, Ithaca. This is why he went to war in the first place. Looking at this comparison, people might think that Gilgamesh is a bad person. He is not necessarily a bad person, but a bad leader and a bad influence on the people he rules over. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Besides the comparisons stated previously, there are other ways to compare Gilgamesh..