بررسی و تحلیل اسطوره گیل گمش بر اساس الگوی سفر قهرمان جوزف کمپبل

The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the earliest literary works of humanity, recounting the life and adventures of a king named Gilgamesh. Initially a selfish and powerful individual, Gilgamesh faces an existential crisis and a contemplation of death following the death of his loyal friend, Enkidu. In his quest to discover the secrets of immortality, he encounters numerous challenges and trials, each revealing different facets of his character. The main aim of this research is to examine and analyze the Gilgamesh myth according to Campbell's Hero's Journey model, using a descriptive-analytical method. The findings of this research show that the narrative of Gilgamesh fully aligns with Campbell's Hero's Journey framework. From the call to adventure to the return of the hero with wisdom, Gilgamesh undergoes all stages of this model. He begins the journey in search of the meaning of life and immortality. Throughout his journey, he faces various obstacles and trials that ultimately lead him to discover the truth about immortality, realizing that physical immortality is unattainable, and that human legacy, such as wisdom and experiences, holds the true value. This journey culminates in Gilgamesh's return to Uruk, where he passes on his inner wisdom to future generations.

Introduction

The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the oldest and most prominent literary works in the world, dating back to around 2700 BC. Written on clay tablets in cuneiform script, this epic originated in the ancient land of Mesopotamia and tells the story of the life and travels of Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk. Gilgamesh, who is two-thirds god and one-third human, is initially a selfish and arrogant king, but during his travels he becomes a transformed and conscious character. As one of the first written examples of the hero's journey, the Epic of Gilgamesh provides a suitable basis for analysis based on Joseph Campbell's model. In today's world, rereading these myths can help contemporary man rebuild his connection to identity and the meaning of life. The fundamental question is how can the myth of Gilgamesh be analyzed based on the hero's journey model within the framework of Campbell's theory? This research seeks to not only demonstrate the conformity of Gilgamesh with Campbell's model, but also to analyze why this model continues to be used as a universal model in the study of myths.
 

Research Method

This research is considered qualitative in nature and has been conducted using a descriptive-analytical method. Also, the method of collecting information was using written and library sources and the World Wide Web (Internet).

Discussion

According to the descriptions given at the beginning of the Epic of Gilgamesh, his privileged position is quite evident. He lives in a place that is, on the one hand, strong and stable, and on the other hand, next to a sacred temple. This temple well highlights the spiritual and transcendental aspect of Gilgamesh. Next to this sacred space, there is also a grain granary, which is a symbol of blessing and abundance. These two elements, namely holiness and blessing, are considered prominent features of this place. The first stage of the hero's journey corresponds to the starting point of the Epic of Gilgamesh. The hero faces the unknown, and this encounter is a turning point that moves his narrative forward. The invitation to travel here can appear in an internal and hidden form. This invitation is a message that reaches him from the depths of the hero's unconscious and promises change and transformation. Such messages usually manifest in the form of dreams, imaginations, or visions, leading the hero into an unknown path. The invitation can be a physical movement, or a call to inner growth and transformation.
 

Conclusion

His return to Uruk at the end of the story, which corresponds to the "return with the treasure" stage of Campbell's hero's journey, is not only a physical return home, but a return to self-awareness and wisdom. Once seeking physical immortality, he has now come to a profound understanding of human nature and its limitations. This inner wisdom, in addition to introducing him as a historical hero, shows that any person can achieve inner growth and transformation through the risky path that Gilgamesh has traveled. This model shows that the heroic journey is still applicable in the modern world and can be observed in the daily life of every person. Human life, similar to Gilgamesh's journey, is full of challenges, crises, and moments of loneliness that ultimately lead to a deeper understanding of existence and the meaning of life. In this regard, Gilgamesh, as an exemplary hero, can be a model for humans to benefit from every failure and obstacle they encounter in life as an opportunity to grow and achieve wisdom and self-awareness.
 

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