Gilgamesh & The Hero's Journey

Gilgamesh experiences miraculous tests or ordeals, i.e.: the lions, man-scorpions, a tiresome journey, etc.

• Call to Adventure

• Road of Trials

• Belly of the Whale

• Apotheosis

Gilgamesh obtains the plant for immortality.

• Crossing the First Threshold

• The Ultimate Boon

• Encounters with Temptation

• Atonement with the Father

Gilgamesh calls on Shamash to help him defeat Humbaba and Shamash assists by sending the thirteen winds.

• Supernatural Assistance

• Home/Beginnings

• Magic Flight

• Road of Trials

Enkidu dies, and Gilgamesh grieves the loss of his friend for 7 days and nights.

• Belly of the Whale

• Crossing the Return Threshold

• Meeting with the Goddess

• Rescue from Without

Gilgamesh falls victim to the temptation of sleep when posed with the task of staying awake for seven days.

• Meeting with the Goddess

• Supernatural Assistance

• Magic Flight

• Encounters with Temptation

In the Garden of the Gods, Siduri shows Gilgamesh true perfection and encourages him to abandon his quest and enjoy life.

• Meeting with the Goddess

• Belly of the Whale

• The Ultimate Boon

• Atonement with the Father

Utnapishtim gives Gilgamesh opportunities and wisdom. Gilgamesh fails his tasks and must endure his judgement and learn lessons.

• Meeting with the Goddess

• Crossing the Threshold

• Atonement with the Father

• Apotheosis

Gilgamesh and Enkidu seek out the challenge of defeating Humbaba for glory.

• Road of Trials

• Call to Adventure

• Master of Two Worlds

• Apotheosis

Gilgamesh embarks on his quest for immortality through the Twelve Leagues of Darkness.

• Belly of the Whale

• Rescue from Without

• Crossing the Threshold

• Meeting with the Goddess

Urshanabi helps get Gilgamesh back home to Uruk.

• Rescue from Without

• Road of Trials

• Atonement with the Father

• Belly of the Whale