Comparing and contrasting two stories can actually be quite interesting. It shows how characters are similar and different to each other and can show how plots are similar and different. When it comes to comparing and contrasting two stories, it's usually easier to compare some aspects than to contrast. Sometimes, authors take inspiration from the stories to write their own, which is why similarities, but also some differences, can be found between The Odyssey and The Epic of Gilgamesh. One main detail that can be pointed out during the comparison is who Gilgamesh and Odysseus are. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an 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 said, "I long to reach my home... It is my ever unfulfilled wish." Throughout the novel, Odysseus was distracted. There were times when he wanted to stay in certain lands he had visited. Odysseus also encountered mythical creatures such as Cyclopes, for example. However, he wanted to go home to Penelope and fought. Gilgamesh was also a strong person. In the story, it is stated that “Gilgamesh was called a god and a man” Gilgamesh was half god and half human. Being called a god, considering he was part god, Gilgamesh was most likely a strong leader. This is also how Gilgamesh and Odysseus are similar. Odysseus always associated with the gods and behaved as if he were one of them. Gilgamesh, being part god, didn't really boast about it, but still displays those traits as the story progresses. Another example of how Gilgamesh and Odysseus are similar is their trust. Since Gilgamesh was part god, he is seen as stronger than Odysseus, but he was very confident when fighting the Trojan War. That trust is what kept Odysseus alive and able to return home to Penelope. Gilgamesh was also very confident, which is why he was chosen as king. While there are many elements that can be compared in both Odysseus and Gilgamesh, there are also some differences. While 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 look at him. An example of his selfishness is when the narrator says, “He walks in the enclosure of Uruk, as a wild bull makes himself mighty, with his head held high.” This quote shows that Gilgamesh can be very arrogant. Also, 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 supposed to watch over. He would kill people he was supposed to care for. Unlike Gilgamesh, Odysseus was not as selfish as Gilgamesh. Yes, Odysseus always associated with the gods, but he respected and cared for 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 has an influence on the people he rules over. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Aside from the previously stated comparisons, there are other ways in which Gilgamesh and Odysseus can be compared. Gilgamesh and Odysseus both make mistakes. Gilgamesh, as mentioned before, was a terrible leader. He didn't have much respect for the people he ruled over and wasn't a great person. Odysseus also made mistakes..