This is a very interesting question to think about. Of
course, one of the major similarities you will want to focus on is the way in which both
of these incredible works of literature are true epics, in every sense of the word. Both
focus on epic heroes and their mighty deeds, but also their human weaknesses. Likewise
the heroes have to undergo challenges and conflicts as part of their quest or struggle.
Lastly, both works of literature are epics in that they summarise or convey a particular
culture's characteristics from one generation to the
next.
However, thinking of the differences between these
two works, The Iliad is of course set during the Trojan War, and
arguably contains many heroes that could be considered to be "epic." This is in contrast
to Gilgamesh, who is trying to find immortality and is forced to confront his own
mortality on his journey. Likewise in The Iliad, the war is waged
by humans, but the pantheon of gods and goddesses take sides and have a big impact on
the outcome. This is different for Gilgamesh, who is not strictly "human"
himself.
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