Gilgamesh: The Maturity of a King

Gilgamesh in Fate lore is commonly known as the king of heroes but is simultaneously seen as an arrogant tyrant. FGO does much to humanize Gilgamesh making him into the king deserving of the arrogance he is so often associated with.

Gilgamesh as a king was always bold and confident in his abilities. One would need this confidence if they wished to defy the Gods, fight toe to toe with the godkiller Enkidu, and reject the confession of Ishtar. He rejected the Gods themselves and cared little for the outcome.

This was until the only person he considered an equal Enkidu was killed because of Gilgamesh’s actions. He was mortified not only by his friends death but also because he knew he wasn’t invincible. Gilgamesh like all kings embarked on what seemed to be a impossible quest gaining

Immorality. It speaks to Gilgamesh’s prowess that he almost did accomplish this goal but in the end he failed and was forced to return to a Uruk that was in chaos due to his selfishness. It was then he realized that despite his accomplishments he had not been a good king to his

People. He swore after his many failures he would not abandon Uruk again and devote himself entirely to his role as king. FGO does a brilliant job of displaying Gilgamesh’s maturity. The first meeting we have with him is him organizing supplies and sending troops to protect Uruk.

He has the aura of king and while still supremely arrogant he channels that arrogance into trying to save his people. Gilgamesh’s devotion is so strong that he literally dies from overwork partway through the story in Babylonia.

Gilgamesh’s devotion to Uruk leads to his people having equal devotion to him. They make the sacrifices necessary for Uruk because they know their king is making similar sacrifices. He says people live for their king but he’s also well aware he must set the right example.

FGO also show sides of him we rarely got to see before. He is not above poking fun at those around him especially Ishtar. He also capable when necessary give words of encouragement especially with Ritsuka and Mash assuring them their fight won’t be in vain.

One can tell he is still mourning the death of Enkidu though he try’s to hide it as much as possible not wanting to appear weak when his people are struggling. Gilgamesh however does say to Enkidu’s doppelgänger Kingu words he likely want to say to his friend in life.

Even in the face of utter helplessness Gilgamesh never wavers always believing that the tide can be turned in his favor. Even as the last living being in Uruk staring down Tiamat the mother of Mesopotamia he still says to her Uruk will be her grave.

It’s a moment that truly captures his larger than life nature and how strong he became at the end of his life. While FSN made it seem Gilgamesh cared very little for humanity, FGO shows he too believed in its potential which is why he worked to bring the Age of Gods to an end.

Gilgamesh was a character that I was incredibly fascinated by but I didn’t love his character as much as others. FGO completely changed my perception of him and indisputably deserves the title of King of Heroes.