Question

read the excerpt from gilgamesh: a new english version.
gilgamesh and enkidu charged at humbaba like two wild bulls.
the monster let out a deafening cry,
his roar boomed forth like a blast of thunder,
he stamped and the ground burst open, his steps
split the mountains of lebanon,
the clouds turned black, a sulfurous fog
descended on them and made their eyes ache.
then shamash threw strong winds at humbaba,
the south wind, the north wind, the east and the west,
storm wind, gale wind, hurricane, tornado,
to pin him down and paralyze his steps.
he could not move forward, could not retreat.
gilgamesh saw it, he leaped upon him,
he held a knife to humbaba’s throat.
what characteristics of an epic hero does gilgamesh exhibit in the excerpt? select 2 options.
□ compassion for his enemy
□ courage in battle
□ endurance in travel
□ connection to supernatural help
□ humility in defeat

Explanation:

1. Courage in battle: Gilgamesh charges at the fearsome monster Humbaba and leaps to hold a knife to his throat, showing bravery in facing a powerful enemy.
2. Connection to supernatural help: The excerpt states that Shamash, a divine figure, sends strong winds to pin Humbaba down, aiding Gilgamesh in the fight, which links him to supernatural assistance.

The other options do not match: there is no compassion for Humbaba, no focus on travel endurance, and Gilgamesh does not show humility in defeat here.

Answer:

• courage in battle
• connection to supernatural help