Comparison between Sun Tzu (The Art of War) and Gilgamesh(The Epic Gilgamesh

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Comparison between Sun Tzu (The Art of War) and Gilgamesh (The Epic Gilgamesh)
Introduction
Sun Tzu is a prolific Chinese writer of ‘The Art of War,’ who worked in the military. The book had 13 chapters regarding warfare. Also, the book specializes in military tactics and strategy. Tzu expertise in military tactics and strategy is unquestionable. In East Asia, ‘The Art of War’ remains a leading anthology because it showcases the military prowess required on the battlefield. Equally, the military thinking of both the East and Western countries has applied the strategies in the treatise. Due to his rich military experience, Sun Tzu is regarded as an accomplished military general. Some of the global leaders inspired by the book include Mao Zedong and Norman Schwarz. On the other hand, Gilgamesh is an experienced author of the poem ‘The Epic of Gilgamesh.’ Also, he is the leading character in the poem. The poem is an example of rich literature due to its rich historical, literary facts. It is characterized by demigods who have supernatural prowess. The superhuman strength gets involved in building and construction to make the city beautiful. In the poem, Gilgamesh comes out as a historical figure. He was a king figure, respected in the society. The essay compares Sun Tzu and Gilgamesh, and the literary work they did. The character analysis and cultural values of Sun Tzu and Gilgamesh demonstrate that they are epic heroes who made the tremendous contribution to literature.

Comparison between Sun Tzu and Gilgamesh
The two great warriors have similarities due to their bravery and contribution to their society. Both Sun Tzu and Gilgamesh are epic heroes because they are brave and have strong personalities. Also, the two have widely been admired because of their accomplishments in the world of literature. For example, Sun Tzu is considered a military general because of the experience he demonstrates in the treatise (Tzu 24). Also, Gilgamesh has a supernatural strength that makes him highly respected. In a nutshell, the two literary scholars have extraordinary strength making them be notable figures. Sun Tzu seems to be highly experienced in military matters. He explores the fundamental issues that are a prerequisite in military engagements. His treatise serves as a reference point for any rule that is keen on succeeding on the battlefield. He argues how a commander should achieve and become victorious on the battlefront. On the other hand, Gilgamesh has a rich cultural focal point for reference (Sari 32).
Sun Tzu and Gilgamesh demonstrate some significance cultural values throughout their works. For example, Gilgamesh shows how cultural identity was significant to the people of the time (Sari 22). The 19th-century story explains how the early form of cuneiform became symbolic in the culture of the people. The early form of cuneiform was a significant feature on clay tablets in the culture of the people. On the other hand, Sun Tzu’s work shows how military experience was valued in the Chinese empire (Tzu 29). Military experience was a form of cultural identity that was symbolic to the Chinese people during the early times. In the culture of the Chinese people, they believed that proper military experience would make them conquer and win battles.
Sun Tzu applies motif in his work ‘The Art of War.’ Tzu explains how Chinese forces use creativity in their building and construction. For example, an army’s momentum shows a lot of creativity regarding aesthetic value (Tzu 45). In the ‘Epic of Gilgamesh,’ the library is quite symbolic throughout the poem. Gilgamesh demonstrates how the library symbolized aesthetic value (Sari 8). Clay tablets became highly critical when libraries were being constructed. Sun Tzu demonstrates how recruits in the army were compelled to use their creativity to contribute to proper structures in the army. The Force was encouraged to be innovative and generate new ideas that would be useful in the military’s building and construction.
Both Sun Tzu and Gilgamesh were bold characters who often had strong views (Sari 17). For example, Sun Tzu was regarded as a leading military general and strategist (Tzu 17). In the treatise, he said ‘appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.’ This demonstrates how he valued the best practices of the military. In the military, it is crucial to demonstrate a strong character in all situations. It enables to get the enemy confused and in the process win a military battle. Showing the same person makes the enemy to be emboldened and know how to attack. People go to battles to win and not lose and acting in disguise enables the enemy to get confused.
Gilgamesh also demonstrates a bold and robust personality. In ‘The Epic of Gilgamesh,’ he comes out as a highly strong and respected character. He was considered as a demigod who had supernatural strength. It is a character that was highly worshipped because he would offer guidance and protection. Gilgamesh was thought to provide cures that people required (Sari 11). Equally, Gilgamesh strongly believed in himself as a King. He acted godly and made people fear him. At one point, Gilgamesh said ‘supreme over other kings, lordly in appearance.’ It was a demonstration that he valued himself even before other people did so. Gilgamesh considered himself to be leading from the front.
Sun Tzu and Gilgamesh demonstrate gender roles in their respective literary works. Sun Tzu focuses on how a king or a military general should protect the people in their jurisdiction (Tzu 8). Tzu argues that a General should have wisdom in the discharge of his duties. He says ‘a wise general makes a point of foraging on the enemy.’ Tzu insists that men play this role better compared to women. On the other hand, Gilgamesh believes in having kingdoms in the society (Sari 4). Also, he argues that kings protect their people against intruders. In the poem, Gilgamesh says a king ‘walks out in front as the leader.’ Equally, he says that a king is a ‘mighty net and protector of his people.’
Conclusion
Conclusively, Sun Tzu and Gilgamesh contributed to literary works rich in cultural identities and gender roles. ‘The Art of War’ showcases how military prowess shapes the society regarding protection against external aggression. Tzu is a brave leader who argues how military generals play a vital role in the society. The author has a brave personality that demonstrates the cultural identity of his people. Tzu emphasizes that a military general who does not win a battle makes few calculations beforehand. He points out that proper military experience requires excellent planning and strategy to win on the battlefield. Gilgamesh is an epic king who considers himself supernatural. Equally, his people value him to offer protection against their enemies. They consider him to lead from the front.
Works Cited
Sari, Ellen. The Epic of Gilgamesh: The Epic of Gilgamesh epic poem from early times, New York: CRW Publishing Limited, 2015.
Tzu, Sun. The Art of War, Chicago: Book Jungle, 2008.