Back Before Written History Monster Stories Were Passed

Back before written history monster stories were passed from person to person by word of mouth. There are hundreds of thousands of stories where monsters are exhibited throughout history. These monsters are just made up to scare or entertain people, the best kinds of monsters in stories are those that have hidden symbolism. The Epic of Gilgamesh and Beowulf, are two stories where there is heavy symbolism associated with the monsters. Both characters form relationships with the supernatural throughout their journeys. The monsters Gilgamesh faces act as distraction on his spiritual journey, while Beowulf’s propel him towards his destiny. In The Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh faces many monsters. These monsters represent the obstacles blocking†¦show more content†¦Then Gilgamesh’s weapon defeated Humbaba† (Gilgamesh Tablet IV). These passages of Gilgamesh’s interactions with Shamash can be compared to a Christians journey with God. A Christian prays mul tiple times when searching for answers just as Gilgamesh did. When he is swayed by sin (Humbaba’s aura) God will set him straight again. At times, many people may think that their prayers are going unanswered. Nonetheless, when they need it most God will come through for them, just as Shamash did for Gilgamesh during his battle with Humbaba. Even though it was very evident that Gilgamesh was connected to the supernatural through Humbaba, he did not further his spiritual journey. His fights with Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven delay Gilgamesh’s journey to becoming a great king. This journey begins upon the death of his closest companion, Enkidu. The slaying of Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven are only distractions for Gilgamesh. These two fights side tract him from becoming a great king. The death of his friend at the hands of the Gods makes Gilgamesh realize the value of life. He then searches for the key to eternal life; to escape the fate that his friend met. 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