In studying the comparisons between Gilgamesh and Joseph I see a lot of similarities between their characters. For one, the main characteristics I see between the two are the strength that they show in the craft that they choose to do. Gilgamesh is considered the strongest male in the land, giving him a sense of dominance over all those around him. You see this same characteristic with Joseph as you follow him through his journey to the King's hand. Though he is young and powerless, he is the best at whatever he does and this gives him an edge in any situation he finds himself in. Because these two show so much strength, yet in very different ways, we look up to them and want to be like them, even if they have character flaws. Another characteristic the two heroes show are their relationships to the higher being. They are both very close to the higher power of their civilization. We as readers question this mysticism and look at it with awe, giving these two a sense of mystery and valor. We also see the two triumph obstacles in their life that is usually in the form of a journey in trying to find true meaning in one self. We as mankind can strongly relate to this trait because we all have to go through it at some point ourselves. These two both start out with humble beginnings, knowing they are searching for something greater than themselves, and ultimately tell a very impacting story once they triumph  their journey's. These three characteristics can be argued as the three most influential aspects in creating a hero. Creating someone who triumphs above all, someone who is spiritually in tune to whatever God they have, and conquering a personal obstacle that all of mankind can relate too.