Question

gilgamesh a new english version, book v
translated by stephen mitchell
they stood at the edge of the cedar forest
marveling at the great height of the trees
they could see before them a well - marked trail
beaten by humbaba as he came and went
from far off, they saw the cedar mountain,
sacred to ishtar, where the gods dwell
the slopes of it steep, and rich in cedars
with their sharp fragrance and pleasant shade
gripping their axes, their knives unsheathed,
they entered the forest and made their way through
the tangle of thorn bushes underfoot
suddenly enkidu was seized by terror
his face turned pale like a severed head
he said to gilgamesh, dear friend, i cannot
continue. i am frightened. i cannot go on.
you go into the dreadful forest,
you kill humbaba and win the fame
i will return now to great - walled uruk
and all men will know what a coward i have been
gilgamesh answered, dear friend, dear brother,
i cannot kill humbaba alone
please stay here with me. stand at my side
two boats lashed together will never sink
a three - ply rope is not easily broken
if we help each other and fight side by side,
what harm can come to us? let us go on
in gilgamesh a new english version gilgamesh represents an epic hero
because he
is gentle and forgiving of his enemies
is socially progressive as a political leader
travels on a journey and demonstrates courage
shows impressive intellect and academic curiosity

Explanation:

The epic hero in literary tradition undertakes a journey and shows courage. In the text, Gilgamesh is on a journey (to the Cedar Forest) and is ready to face Humbaba, demonstrating courage. The other options do not align with the typical characteristics of an epic hero as described in literary works. An epic hero is not primarily defined by being gentle and forgiving of enemies (as in the first option - Gilgamesh is going to fight Humbaba, not forgive him), being a socially progressive political leader (not indicated in the text), or showing impressive intellect and academic curiosity (the text focuses on the journey and courage in a physical - combat related quest, not intellectual pursuits).

Answer:

travels on a journey and demonstrates courage