Question

read the excerpt from gilgamesh: a new english version.
gilgamesh felt his courage return.
they charged at humbaba like two wild bulls.
the monster let out a deafening cry,
his roar boomed forth like a blast of thunder,
he stamped and the ground burst open, his steps
split the mountains of lebanon,
the clouds turned black, a sulfurous fog
descended on them and made their eyes ache.
then shamash threw strong winds at humbaba,
the south wind, the north wind, the east and the west,
storm wind, gale wind, hurricane, tornado,
to pin him down and paralyze his steps.
he could not move forward, could not retreat.
gilgamesh saw it, he leaped upon him,
he held a knife to humbaba’s throat.

what is the best conclusion that can be drawn about gilgamesh’s character from the excerpt?
○ he prides himself on his triumphs in battle.
○ he believes in the power of teamwork.
○ he relies on supernatural forces to save him.
○ he demonstrates bravery and takes risks.

Explanation:

The excerpt shows Gilgamesh and his companion charging at Humbaba, and when Humbaba is pinned, Gilgamesh leaps upon him and holds a knife to his throat. This action of confronting a dangerous foe (Humbaba) and taking the chance to attack shows bravery and a willingness to take risks, unlike the other options which are not supported by the excerpt (no focus on triumphs, power of words, or relying on supernatural forces to save him).

Answer:

He demonstrates bravery and takes risks.