Question

gilgamesh: a new english version, book v
translated by stephen mitchell
they stood at the edge of the cedar forest,
marveling at the great height of the trees.
they could see, before them, a well - marked trail
beaten by humbaba as he came and went.
from far off they saw the cedar mountain,
sacred to ishtar, where the gods dwell,
the slopes of it steep, and rich in cedars
with their sharp fragrance and pleasant shade.
gripping their axes, their knives unsheathed,
they entered the forest and made their way through
the tangle of thorn bushes underfoot.

suddenly enkidu was seized by terror,
his face turned pale like a severed head.
he said to gilgamesh, dear friend, i cannot
continue, i am frightened, i cannot go on.
you go into the dreadful forest,
you kill humbaba and win the fame.
i will return now to great - walled uruk,
and all men will know what a coward i have been.

gilgamesh answered, dear friend, dear brother,
i cannot kill humbaba alone.
please stay here with me. stand at my side.
two boats lashed together will never sink.
a three - ply rope is not easily broken.
if we help each other and fight side by side,

what characteristics of an epic hero does gilgamesh exhibit in the excerpt?
choose two correct answers.

□ courage in battle

□ connection to supernatural help

□ humility in defeat

□ endurance in travel

□ compassion for his enemy

Explanation:

• "courage in battle": Gilgamesh is ready to face Humbaba in the forest, showing bravery to fight.
• "endurance in travel": They enter the forest and navigate through thorns, and Gilgamesh urges Enkidu to stay for the journey, showing perseverance in the quest.
• "connection to supernatural help" is not shown here (no supernatural aid in the excerpt), "humility in defeat" is Enkidu's, not Gilgamesh's, and "compassion for his enemy" is not present as Humbaba is an enemy to be fought.

Answer:

• courage in battle
• endurance in travel