Comparison of a Modern Western Movie to a Western Myth - Essay Example

Comparison of a modern western movie to a western Myth Critical analysis of the two works of different times in this literary assignment offers an insight into the transition of ancient creativity to modern experiences. Epic of Gilgamesh and the film on Lord of the rings exhibit similar thematic presentation. They seem to offer an emphasis on the heroic decisions that leaders show with the goal of winning battle. Critical comparison of the two literary works will help in establishing the connection between contemporary western works and ancient non-western myths. Thematic evaluation and character analysis will be of significance in opening the core issues addressed by the authors and directors of the two works respectively. While Gilgamesh is a literary novel that explores the heroic journey of a king, Lord of the rings is a film that reflects the epic of heroic undertaking of the main character. Although time of the two works is different, they seem to have significant similarities in terms of their epic presentation of events and engagement of the characters. Gilgamesh is the King of Uruk and stands out in the Epic of Gilgamesh after making a decision to pursue immortal fame with his closest former enemy turned friend Enkidu. The journey is tough with significant natural barriers that include war with other beings, Gilgamesh keeps going. His heroic move is rare among men and the craving desire to achieve the impossible gives the work some epic taste. The audience is left in stitches to imagine how man can think of immortality in the face of Earth. The death of Enkidu is a real set back to Gilgamesh but he is determined to hit his target which eventually fails. It is worth noting that despite regrets on such a journey after death of his strong friend Enkidu, Gilgamesh proves to the world that heroism requires a rare courage. In the case of The Lord of the Rings film, Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins set off for a journey with his faithful gardener to go and eliminate the ring of power (Bassham and Eric 12). Considering the supernatural power the ring has this bravado is unique and sets the film for a captivating course with significant influence on audience attention. Though the film is a development of a novel, its presentation is emphatic on the myths that have always characterized the ancient society. It is clear that Frodo and Gilgamesh share in the spirit of ad venture but admit that such desires have heavy price. The two characters’ common quest to conquer the impossible in the thoughts of ordinary man remains perplexing to the general public. There are several comparative grounds that leave an audience in deep though over the close relationship between the two works. It is evident from the assessment that contemporary films are derived from the ancient myths that characterized tradition. Western culture seems to be no different to non-western world in as far as human spirituality and cultural fundamentals are concerned. This can be proved by the fact that the two works are from different parts of the world but reflect significant consistency in their themes and character presentations. Taking one work at a time, numerous instances of ideological convergence between authors can be noted. The Lord of the rings is a film released in the late 2001 with significant fictional presentation of human experiences on earth. In this film, heroism defines the epic nature of the work with main character taking center stage in determining main theme. The time of its release and setting is clear indication that it is a western work that blends contemporary fiction with ancient myths. The main character in the film Elijah wood who acts as Frodo Baggins has burning ambition to find the one ring and its creator the Dark Lord Sauron. He needs the support of Sean Astin as Sam to make the journey. Considering the depth of self-belief against the odds, Frodo is focused on gaining fame through historic elimination of the powerful ring and its creator (Bassham and Eric 21). He does a lot of convincing to persuade Sam to accompany him in this deadly journey. The raging war that surrounds the whole event is not of any worry to Frodo. Alongside seven other men, Frodo is determined to explore places that he had only heard of. This is a risky affair considering the undefined nature of their destination and the undefined consequences that characterize the mission. The electrifying actions that override the film emphasize the vehement desire of Frodo to arrive at his destination against all possible barriers. He seems to accommodate any worry of losing his life and even companions. The suspense which various scenes of the work pose to the audience is a manifestation of intense fiction and profound creativity. It can easily be observed that the overall outlook of the film is mythical. Gilgamesh and Enkidu have to wade through series of obstacles to reach their final destination which would award the former immortality. The first encounter with Humbaba gives Gilgamesh and Enkidu hope and more courage to proceed with their journey. However, the temptation of Ishtar, the goddess of love is impassable. Gilgamesh boldly rejects the desire of Ishtar for marriage and this attracts another serious punishment. To express her anger over such disappointment, Ishtar brings down a bull from heaven to attack Gilgamesh and Enkidu. The great determination and level of preparedness of the two friends is seen when they win the battle by killing the bull. This provokes even more wrath but the spirit of Gilgamesh is intact and focuses in place. Their heroic show comes with price in which a vision from gods directed towards Gilgamesh asserts that either of them must die for killing the bull. At this instance, the gods who protect Enkidu bargain for his life and instead suggest Enkidu as the sacrificial lamb. The new development is out of Gilgamesh control and Enkidu eventually dies(Bassham and Eric 32). This is an emotional disturbance that saddens Gilgamesh and initiates further drastic decision on the fate of his journey. He decides to pursue immortality with disregard to the impending danger ahead. This may sound like a dream to ordinary man who is sure of mortality but Gilgamesh is focused on changing this inexplicable phenomenon of death. A review of the two works explores myths that have been central in defining the dreams of man. The actions of the two respective main characters in the film and the novel shows how cultural patterns across the world has some level of convergence and belief of man on supernatural powers is an indisputable reality. In essence, the potential of failure from the beginning of the two characters in their pursuit for unrealistic dominates the mind of any audience. However, the urge to find out their fate keeps one following the events with interval fictional hindsight and real life concept of courage. Taking the incidence of one man dying as Frodo is on his way to visit unimaginable places; much can be learnt on the spirit of realizing set goals. Some level of conscience and guilt is evident in the face of Frodo when Gandalf dies and this compels him to drop others over fears of additional loss of innocent lives. However, Sam remains loyal and sticks to the idea of giving company to the last minute. Their spirited fight of the two propels them to reach the volcano which is set to eliminate the ring. However, there is significant alteration in the body of Frodo as he looks more worked up, temperamental and paranoid. The backstage role of women and overriding influence of love which they use to bring the downfall of men resonates in the two works. However, the masculinity of men is noted as not the best basis on which to measure ability. Instead, courage and wit is seen as critical as in the case of Gilgamesh and Enkidu. The film offers an epical experience as can be seen from Frodo’s eventual success in fulfilling his quest to visit strange places. On the other hand, Gilgamesh’s ultimate failure to achieve immortality sheds light on the reality of death as end of man. In this respect, goals and strategies of achieving them between the main characters are similar but outcome is different. There is close comparison between the two in terms of post adventure journey. The emotional and physical life of Frodo is characterized by fatigue and loose temper while Gilgamesh has to live with the harsh reality of eventual mortality. The mythical aspect of the two pieces of creativity explores the collateral loses that are always part of pursuing big dreams. Heroic commitments of Gilgamesh see Enkidu die while Gandalf is also killed as he accompanies Frodo. This is a real life possibility which boosts the human connectivity with literature as the mirror of the society. Fiction and myth are shown as almost close as they play large in the two works and emphasize the relationship between man and gods. The two literary works boosts understanding of history and the basis of contemporary culture as expressed in western movies. Conclusion It is worth to conclude that the theme of the film and the novel is heroism. The difficult situations and lethal encounters by the aforementioned characters reflect the power of self –belief. History of myth and its close relationship with fictions expressed in modern movies is evident in the comparative analysis. It is widely noted that modern cultural norms addressed by fictional films reflects the origin of man as far as discovery of various issues in life is concerned. The link between history and literature is also explored in the movie and the film. Work cited Bassham, Gregory, and Eric Bronson. The Lord of the Rings and Philosophy: One Book to Rule Them All. , 2003. Internet resource. Read More