An epic is a broad narrative poem that celebrates the exploits of a legendary or traditional hero. There are several main characteristics that make up an epic as a literary genre. The first is that it contains an epic hero, its hero seeks immortality (but does not find it physically, only through fame), it conveys a historical message, it is a long poem that tells a story, and the gods or other beings supernaturals are interested and involved. The Epic of Gilgamesh is classified as an epic because it fulfills all the characteristics of an epic as a literary genre. The first important feature of the Epic of Gilgamesh that helps classify it as an epic is that it includes a hero. Gilgamesh is the epic hero of the story. The characteristics that determine an epic hero in the ancient world include strength, beauty, and high social status (Tigay 42). Gilgamesh fits all of these descriptions. His great strength was described as that which no one else could match. His beauty was so obvious that he could have any woman he wanted. In fact he slept with all the women in his city. Gilgamesh was also made 2/3 divine and 1/3 human. This fact alone elevated him to a god-like social status. He was the king of Uruk because no one could challenge his strength or beauty. Most epic heroes are also widely known and famous, which Gilgamesh, being king, obviously was. Aside from his attributes and status, the traditional epic hero must perform heroic deeds (Abusch 620). Once again, Gilgamesh falls into this category. First, Gilgamesh leads Enkidu on an adventure that will earn him and his friend further fame. This was the plan to embark on a journey to the sacred cedar tree and kill the guardian of the cedar forest, Humbaba. This is...... half of the paper......, Ltd., 1999. 21-48. Print."Gilgamesh." The Norton Anthology of World Literature. Sarah Lawall. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, Inc., 1984. Print.Greene, Thomas. "The norms of the epic." Comparative Literature 13.3 (1962): 193-207. Network. 22 Dec 2010. Kramer, SN "The Death of Gilgamesh." Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research (1944): 2-12. Network. Dec 21, 2010.Tigay, Jeffery. The evolution of the Epic of Gilgamesh. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1982. 33-57. Stampa.Vulpe, Nicola. "The Irony and Unity of the Epic of Gilgamesh." Journal of Near Eastern Studies 53.4 (1994): 275-283. Network. 22 Dec 2010.West, M.L. “The Rise of the Greek Epic.” Journal of Hellenic Studies 108. (1988): 151-172. Network. Dec 22, 2010.Wolff, Hope Nash. "Gilgamesh, Enkidu and the Heroic Life". Journal of the American Oriental Society (1969): 392-398. Network. December 21st 2010.