Gilgamesh: A New English Version

The oldest recorded story to survive the test of time is much older than both the Illiad and the Bible. Gilgamesh is the king of Uruk, who is handsome, powerful, perfect and completely ruthless to his people. In order to save the people from his wrath, the gods gift Gilgamesh with a friend, Enkidu, who is his equal in every way, to keep Gilgamesh's power in check. Gilgamesh and Enkidu are great character foils, and even greater friends. After helping Gilgamesh slay both Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven, Enkidu falls ill and dies, sending Gilgamesh on a journey into the underworld in hopes of rescuing his dearest friend.

It's interesting to see which traits were considered desirable in 2100 BC that are present in our present day heroes. In today's stories, the themes of strength, friendship and death are all as alive as they were during the days of Gilgamesh. There was an essay collected in my edition that I skipped over. I hope I'll be able to find time to return to it soon.