Gilgamesh hopes to find immortality in fear that death will be upon him. He travels through the desert for days and meets strange people. When Gilgamesh finally reaches Utnapishtim, he learns that immortality is not just a gift from the gods but something earned. Utnapishtim states: “Stay awake for seven days” (XI. 191). Gilgamesh does not pass the test and realizes that he cannot escape death. If that doesn't bother you enough, the fact that he lost his parting gift to a snake is the last straw. Gilgamesh fails to accomplish what he had planned and returns home empty-handed. The stories of the two epic heroes Odysseus and Gilgamesh are very different but share similarities. Both epic heroes have personalities that help influence the outcome of their journey. Odysseus' personality allows him to return home safely and Gilgamesh's personality provides him with a humble ending. The two heroes both carry great strengths. Odysseus' mental strength allows him to outwit his opponents and Gilgamesh's physical strength allows him faster travel. Odyssey and Gilgamesh both go on a journey. Ulysses seeks Ithaca and Gilgamesh seeks