Fate Vs Fate Essay - 1401 Words

In this vast and chaotic universe, it is easy to wonder how much control one single human truly has over their own destiny. Is a person’s life dominated by a plethora of choices and consequences or is it already mapped out by a greater force? This question has been discussed since the time of the first ancient civilizations in Mesopotamia. Although it is still without a clear answer ages later, the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Odyssey propose interesting insights into the role of fate and choice in the human experience. Neither the Odyssey nor The Epic of Gilgamesh gives a black or white answer to the question of human autonomy versus divine control. Instead, this paper will argue that both epics suggest that human life has important elements†¦show more content†¦It would be simple for Gilgamesh to accept this fact and live within the confines of his fate to die. However, he just cannot seem to accept his mortal fate, repeating the fact that, â€Å"The issue of my friend oppresses me†¦Am I not like him? Will I lie down never to get up again?† (Tablet X, 237-242). He sets out to do nothing but chase immortality. A man with much to lose, he leaves his vibrant life as â€Å"the hero, born of Uruk, the gorng wild bull† (Tablet I, 29) and goes on risky adventures, killing monsters and entering forests he is not supposed to enter. A couple times he gets close to achieving immortality, such as when Utanapishtim tests him to see if he can stay awake long enough to become immortal . However even the best efforts of the most powerful man in Uruk are futile and Gilgamesh remains mortal. In fact, as a result of his efforts to change his destiny, Gilgamesh is punished. He loses his closest companion, Enkidu. Thus, Gilgamesh is an example of a character with great promise who spends his life trying to change one of the few predetermined parts of his fate in vain. If even this man, who is one of the most powerful in his society and even slightly immortal does not have the power to change his fate to die, it is clear that no one else can. In fact, Gilgamesh gains nothing but heartache from his efforts to step outside the confines of his predetermined identity. Odysseus is another character with a predetermined identity. However, in contrast toShow MoreRelatedFate Vs Fate Essay1649 Words   |  7 PagesFate can be thought about as life being predetermined for the entirety of your days. From the early writings from Homer, specifically in the poem, The Iliad, there is a clear representation of whether it is free will or fate after all. Although we may never know whether there is a predetermined path or rather just free, it can only make one wonder. For most Greek Mythology, it is been evident that most of people’s decisions were not free will but rather fate itself. While people think they have freeRead MoreFate Vs Fate Essay1437 Words   |  6 Pagesthe Odyssey propose interesting insights into the role of fate and choice in the human experience. Neither the Odyssey nor The Epic of Gilgamesh gives a black or white answer to the question of human autonomy versus divine control. Instead, this paper will argue that both epics suggest that human life has important elements of both divine control and human autonomy. Once an individual is able to accept the more general parts of their fate that lay beyond their control such as their identity and theirRead MoreFate Vs Fate Essay1781 Words   |  8 PagesFate can be thought as life being predetermined for the entirety of your days. From the early writings of Homer, specifically in the poem, The Iliad, there is a clear representation of whether it is free will or fate after all. 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Early in the play, Leontes shows his own fallible nature. He reveals himself to be a jealous, self-doubting tyrant. He brings about the his own demise, curses his family and dooms his own child to death. Though these characteristicsRead MoreOedipus the King: Fate Vs Free Will Essay639 Words   |  3 Pages Oedipus the King, was written by Sophocles between C.A.496-406B.C. In this play, Oedipus is a great example of Sophocles’ belief that fate will control a man’s life no matter how much free will exists. Oedipus is a man of unflagging determination and perseverance, but one who must learn through the working out of a terrible prophecy that there are forces beyond any man’s conceptualization or control. Oedipus’ actions were determined before his birth, yet Oedipus’ actions are entirely determined