Gilgamesh is widely considered the first epic hero in literature. What are his heroic qualities and his non-heroic qualities, and what role does...

An epic
hero is a character posessing exceptional/extraordinary/superhuman qualities, such as extreme
strenght, ability, intelligence, possibly supernatural powers, as well as an exceptional moral
status (unlike a tragic hero, he is not fundamentally flawed). He may be of noble or even godly
descent, he participates in a journey or a quest and returns home significantly transformed. He
is an embodiment of traits most valued in the society, through the deeds he performs and the
morals he stands for.

Now, let's look at Gilgamesh.

He is
two-thirds god and one-third man: so check for godly descent.

He is king of
Uruk: check for noble descent/status.

He is opressing his people,
overworking the young men and claiming the right to sleep (not consensually, we can assume) with
all brides in the land on their wedding night. People are crying to the gods in desperation
because he is such a cruel ruler- that's where he is non-heroic; he doesn't fit the profile of
the noble, brave, just ruler you would...