There are a number of similarities and differences in the two ancient stories of Sinuhe and Gilgamesh, ôThe Story of Sinuheö and The Epic of Gilgamesh respectively. The Epic of Gilgamesh is a Babylonian narrative and ôThe Story of Sinuheö is an Egyptian tale. Both Gilgamesh and Sinuhe are heroic figures whose experiences in these works illustrate a number of values and beliefs about their respective cultures. Both Gilgamesh and Sinuhe embark on adventurous travels, are consummate warriors, and are deemed to be connected spirituality with the gods. Yet the circumstances of their travels are unique in a number of ways. Despite the similarities and differences that exist between these works, the element in common that most stands out in each is the focus on mortality and the afterlife.
In ôThe Story of Sinuhe,ö the protagonist works as an official at the palace in Egypt. When the king dies, Sinuhe flees Egypt fearing the unknown consequences of his death. In The Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh travels the world looking for immortality to revive his friend Enkidu who resides in the land of the dead. GilgameshÆs character is portrayed as being half-god, as we are told he is a ôvaliant godö showing a ôperfect formö (Sandars 30; 34). Gilgamesh is portrayed as pursuing his destiny with the motive of being loyal to his good friend. This value of loyalty and that of fulfilling oneÆs destiny were significant to the Babylonian culture. S. B. Clough (22) argues the story shows the ôreligious, spiritual, and cultural beliefsö and values of Sumerian culture.
In contrast to GilgameshÆs purpose for his journey, Sinuhe flees Egypt because he is worried over what might occur with the king dead. Despite the difference for their departures, both Sinuhe and Gilgamesh endure long, arduous travels and exhibit the values of a skilled warrior during them. They both return to their native land in th
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