The Differences Between King Gilgamesh, in "Gilgamesh", and Frodo Baggins in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings", at the Beginning and Ending of Their Journeys.

In "The Epic of Gilgamesh", the King of Uruk, Gilgamesh, travels the world in search of adventure and immortal fame. Once his friend dies however, he regrets his notion to foolhardily venture against such strong enemies. In “The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien, Frodo Baggins, a young Hobbit from the Shire leaves his home. Gilgamesh set off with his faithful companion, Enkidu to confront the great Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven on his quest to gain immortal fame. Frodo set off with his faithful gardener, Sam, to destroy a ring of power. Both Gilgamesh and Frodo longed for adventure, however, they found that adventuring sometimes has a great price. Let’s look at the differences between Gilgamesh and Frodo at the beginning and end of their respective quests.
Gilgamesh and Enkidu, after defeating Humbaba, are tempted by the goddess of Love, Ishtar. When Gilgamesh refuses to marry the goddess, she ,in anger, sent the Bull of Heaven down from Heaven to attack the two friends. The two heroes battle the massive bull and eventually win, but Gilgamesh is granted a vision from the gods, that because they killed the Bull of Heaven, either Gilgamesh or Enkidu must die. The gods who gave Gilgamesh life pleaded with the one who would order their son’s death and this Higher god decides to take Enkidu’s life instead. This deeply saddens Gilgamesh and sets him on a quest for Immortal life. By the end of the story, Gilgamesh has returned to his city, still mortal, but with a deeper understanding of how the world works and a better ability to govern his people. This Gilgamesh knows that he will die, but is happy in the fact that at least the city that he built and his accomplishments thus far will be remembered throughout time This is supported by the opening prologue that says that Gilgamesh was ‘renowned as the greatest of kings’.
Frodo and Sam began their Journey to destroy the Ring of Power, with seven companions. Frodo was exited to visit the places he had heard tales about, but had never seen. When one of their companions, Gandalf, is killed, Frodo feels immense guilt over his death and seeks to travel alone so as to not endanger his other companions. Sam manages to accompany him despite Frodo’s claim for him to go back. The two head toward the place where the ring can be destroyed, leaving the rest of their companions behind. By the time Frodo and Sam reach the volcano that will destroy the ring, Frodo has changed. He is no longer the high-spirited, excited person he was at the beginning of the journey. This Frodo is tired, paranoid and short tempered. Unlike Gilgamesh, Frodo managed to fulfill his reason for questing before he returns home. Also unlike Gilgamesh, Frodo does not desire any fame from his exploits. All he wants is to live a normal, happy life. It doesn’t matter to him if the world remembers him and his deeds.