Hey guys! Ever wondered how a legendary hero like Gilgamesh ended up as a Servant? It's a pretty cool story, and we're diving deep into it today. We're talking about Gilgamesh, the super strong king from the Epic of Gilgamesh, and how he became one of the most iconic Servants in the Fate series. Let's get started, shall we?

Unveiling the Legend: Gilgamesh's Epic Tale

Alright, first things first, who is Gilgamesh? In the original story, he's the king of Uruk, a city-state in ancient Mesopotamia. This dude was two-thirds god and one-third human, which pretty much explains his insane power and, let's be honest, his massive ego. Gilgamesh was a total boss, ruling with an iron fist, and initially, he wasn't exactly the most popular guy in town. He was arrogant, and pretty much did whatever he wanted. The people of Uruk were suffering under his rule, so the gods decided to intervene. They created Enkidu, a wild man meant to be Gilgamesh's equal.

The arrival of Enkidu really shook things up. These two, after a rough start, become best bros. Their friendship is the heart of the Epic of Gilgamesh. Together, they go on epic adventures, battling monsters and facing all sorts of challenges. One of the most famous is their fight with Humbaba, the guardian of the Cedar Forest. This is where we see Gilgamesh's strength and bravery on full display. They go on other quests, like the Bull of Heaven, sent by the goddess Ishtar to punish Gilgamesh for spurning her advances. This is a crucial turning point, leading to Enkidu's death, which brings Gilgamesh face to face with his own mortality. It's Enkidu's death that starts Gilgamesh on a new path, a path of searching for immortality. It's during this time that Gilgamesh tries to find the secret of eternal life. This pursuit leads him to Utnapishtim, the survivor of the great flood, who was granted immortality by the gods. Gilgamesh's quest ultimately fails, but he gains a deeper understanding of life and the value of leaving a legacy.

The Epic's Legacy

The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the oldest written stories we know of. It's filled with themes like friendship, loss, the fear of death, and the search for meaning. Gilgamesh is a complex character. He starts out as a selfish ruler but grows into a wiser king, and he learns the importance of cherishing the time he has. The epic is a treasure trove of early human thought and experience, influencing countless stories that came after it. Understanding the original story of Gilgamesh is key to understanding his role as a Servant. It gives you the full picture of who this legendary hero is and where he comes from. Now that we have the backstory down, let's get into the Fate series and see how this all translates into becoming a Servant.

Gilgamesh in the Fate Universe: Servant of the Gold

Okay, so we know who Gilgamesh is, but how does he fit into the Fate universe? Here, he's summoned as a Servant, a heroic spirit brought back to life to fight in the Holy Grail War. The Fate series twists on historical figures, and Gilgamesh, or as he's often referred to, Archer (though he's technically an Archer-class Servant), is one of the most powerful. He's got incredible strength, magical abilities, and an arsenal of weapons that would make anyone jealous. The Holy Grail War is a magical battle where mages summon Servants from history to fight for a wish. The winner gets the Holy Grail, which can grant any desire.

Gilgamesh's role is unique. He's not just another Servant; he sees himself as the king of heroes, the ultimate hero who views most other Servants with disdain, seeing them as inferior. He's supremely confident, bordering on arrogant, and he has a distinct set of values. His goal in the Grail War isn't necessarily to win and get the Grail for a wish. He's more interested in finding entertainment and seeing how the world evolves. He believes he's the only one worthy of ruling. This arrogance comes from his belief that he's the original hero. All other heroes are just imitations of him. He is the ultimate, the proto-hero. In the Fate series, Gilgamesh's legendary status is translated into incredible power. His Noble Phantasm, Gate of Babylon, is a treasure vault filled with every weapon and treasure imaginable, collected during his lifetime. He can summon these weapons at will, making him a formidable opponent. His strength and his vast array of weapons make him one of the strongest Servants, making him a force to be reckoned with. The Fate series gives a fresh spin on Gilgamesh, using his historical character. Now, how does this translate to becoming a servant?

The Making of a Servant

To become a Servant, a heroic spirit needs to meet certain criteria. The spirit has to be a hero, someone who achieved great feats in life and left a lasting impact on history. When someone dies, their legacy is what makes them a hero, and their legend can become a Servant. Gilgamesh, of course, fits this perfectly. He was a king, a warrior, and a hero. His epic story cemented his place in history, and his actions and the impact he had on the world made him an ideal candidate to become a Servant. Another key factor is the concept of a