recognized and receive what one think he or she may deserve. In the Bible, one of many themes is the quest for something greater than what the seeker currently has, in terms of stature or wealth. One of many examples are the theft of Esau's birthright by Jacob. In Genesis 25: 27-34, Esau Sells His Rights as the First-Born Son, Jacob wanted more than his proper inheritance, he wanted the rights as the first-born son. His brother Esau was hungry and asked for some soup that Jacob was cooking. Jacob answered, "I will give it to you if you give me your rights as the first-born son." Jacob could not be content with what he already had. He wanted a larger portion of the inheritance entitled to the one who is the first-born as well as the title. In The Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh seeks to gain more fame by attempting feats of great proportion. One of the feats is the slaying of Humbaba, the giant beast who is the keeper of a ! ! forest. By doing so, Gilgamesh becomes famous for killing the dreaded Humbaba, even though it does not pose any threat to people who stay out of that particular forest. "Together we will accomplish a work the fame of which will never dieyour dream is good, your dream is excellent, the mountain which you saw is Humbaba, Now, Surely, we will seize and kill him." He does this is for fame as well as access to the cedar trees. After this event, he announces to every person he meets, "I killed the watchman of the cedar forest, and I killed the lions in the passes of the mountain." Both Gilgamesh and Jacob wanted more than they had. Jacob already had an inheritance coming to him, but desired more of it as well as recognition as the first-son. Gilgamesh already had good looks, strength, and kingship, yet he had to go out and kill Humbaba to gain fame and rights to cedar trees for it. Jacob...
