Short Answer 
The essence of a strong hero includes bravery, honesty, humility, courage, and moral uprightness. The narrative illustrates a challenging journey, emphasizing extraordinary qualities necessary for success, culminating in Gilgamesh’s significant climb which symbolizes personal growth and the pursuit of greatness.
Step 1: Identify the Heroic Features
The essence of a strong hero is demonstrated through various attributes. Key characteristics include:
- Bravery – The ability to confront fear or challenges head-on.
- Honesty – Maintaining truthfulness in actions and words.
- Humility – Recognizing one’s limitations and valuing others.
- Courage – Taking risks despite fear of failure or danger.
- Moral uprightness – Adhering to ethical standards and principles.
Step 2: Analyze the Journey
In the narrative, the journey is described as one that is far from easy, emphasizing that it was “no journey for ordinary men.” This illustrates the challenges faced by the characters involved. The arduous nature of the journey highlights the extraordinary qualities required for such an endeavor, reinforcing the hero’s strength and resilience.
Step 3: Focus on Gilgamesh’s Climb
The act of Gilgamesh climbing to the mountaintop symbolizes the culmination of his efforts and bravery. This moment signifies not just a physical achievement but also represents personal growth and the pursuit of greatness. It reflects his journey from a leader plagued with challenges to a figure of legend, who accomplishes the remarkable feat of overcoming obstacles to reach new heights.