Since his first appearance inFinal Fantasy, Gilgamesh has become something of an icon. Known for traversing across galaxies in the hope of obtaining the strongest weapons available, this elusive being can devastate all those who oppose him in a matter of moments thanks to his frightening arsenal.
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He is as powerful as he is clumsy, with manyFinal Fantasygames using him as comic relief. Though his social unawareness will often present him as a bumbling fool,his multiple armsand skills with a blade are unmatched by most of his enemies. He appears more than any other character in the series, so it is unusual that not much is known about him.
10His Shape-Shifting Companion
TheEpic of Gilgameshpresented Enkidu as nothing more than a wild man, butFinal Fantasydesigned this legendary figure in an array of unique ways. Discarding his human form, Enkidu usually takes the shape of an animal who obeys only his master.
His introduction to the series portrayed him as a demon with angel wings, but since then, this loyal servant has adopted many forms. Thoughhis appearances as a dog, a sword, and a chicken suggest he is an entirely different character, the green hue he exhibits cements him as Gilgamesh’s most trusted companion.
9The Guise Of Yojimbo
Final Fantasy 10chose not to include Gilgamesh in its story, but his similarities to Yojimbo,the game’s most powerful summon, are hard to ignore. Upon defeating Lady Ginnem in the Cavern of the Stolen Fayth, the player will have the opportunity to purchase the service of this skilled swordsman.
When called upon, Yojimbo will assist the party in combat alongside his canine companion, Daigoro. Like Gilgamesh, the two work in tandem to decimate their foes, but only if the price is right. Having to pay this summon to attack one’s enemies is baffling, but it seems like something Gilgamesh would do. Though Yojimbo has not been confirmed to be Gilgamesh in disguise, his design was definitely influenced by him.
8Final Fantasy Remakes
Game remakes usually consist of nothing more than a few graphical upgrades alongside some bonus content, butFinal Fantasy 7 Remakeis proving how this is no longer the case. Altering the original story on which it is based, this retelling aims to redefine its iconic narrative by altering its outcomes.
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Though Gilgamesh’s first appearance saw him as a villain inFinal Fantasy 5, remakes of previous titles have allowed him to appear where no one expected him to. For those seeking to satisfy their sense of nostalgia, the remakes ofFinal FantasyandFinal Fantasy 4will now permit the player to face off with this elusive sword thief.
7The Trial Of Gilgamesh
Those who played through the base game ofFinal Fantasy 15may have been disappointed by Gilgamesh’s absence, but thankfully, theEpisode GladiolusDLC deliversone of his most unique depictions.
This version of Gilgamesh is far less eccentric than what he appears to be in previous games, rendering him a far more threatening presence. Having been bested by Cor many years beforehand, Gilgamesh lurks in the final area of the Tempering Grounds, ready to test whoever else seeks his approval.
6His Familiar Arsenal
Gilgamesh has wielded multiple weapons in each of his appearances, but some are far more noteworthy than others. He is often depicted wielding the Excalibur, the Zantetsuken, and the Masamune, three of the most powerful weapons to feature in the series.
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Final Fantasy 12sought to breathe new life into this menace’s arsenal by granting him the ability to use weapons belonging to the protagonists of the series. Gilgamesh is portrayed as a more ruthless foe through his brandishingCloud’s Buster Sword, Tidus' Brotherhood, and Squall’s Revolver.
5His Many Appearances
Gilgamesh has appeared in numerous titles since his introduction. As a famed swordsman who fixates on collecting powerful weaponry, it is only logical that he frequently returns to steal the blades ofFinal Fantasy’s multiple protagonists.
He has appeared the most out of any character in the series, gaining him popularity among multiple fans even if they haven’t played too many of the series' games. This ancient being will never cease his search for famed weaponry, so he will likely return in future entries.
4Not Only A Villain
Final Fantasy 5portrayed Gilgamesh as a villain. Acting as Exdeath’s henchman for most of the game, he shared in his ideologies and vowed to assist him in claiming the power of the world’s magical crystals.
His first appearance saw him as an inherently evil villain, but not all depictions of him are as sinister as this.Final Fantasy 9presents Gilgamesh as a young boy fixated on uncovering treasure whoscavenges the world of Gaiain the hope of claiming its riches.
3His Shooting Abilities
Gilgamesh is known primarily for his skills with a blade, butFinal Fantasy XIII-2attempted to revitalize his means of combat. Ditching his swords in favor of firearms, this menacing foe proves to bea skilled sharpshooter, as well as a gifted swordsman.
With multiple arms each possessing a gun of some sort, the battle with this inexperienced gunman is surprisingly difficult. The beginning of the fight’s second phase sees Gilgamesh discarding his new weapons in favor of the sharper kind, but his proficiency in multiple combat styles remains evident even then.
2His Theme Song
Unlike most random enemies in the series, Gilgamesh receives his own theme song to accompany him on the battlefield. Titled “The Battle on the Big Bridge,” this piece of music serves to highlight the power he wields while promoting some slight head-nodding from those who hear it.
No matter the game, the player will usually encounter Gilgamesh lurking atop a bridge, hence the song’s name. This iconic tune wascomposed by Nobuo Uematsuin 1992 and has since gained the same level of popularity as the series' other recurring songs.
1His Name
The name “Gilgamesh” was likely gifted to this iconic swordsman due to its utilization in theEpic of Gilgamesh, an epic poem thought to be the longest surviving piece of writing in history. Written approximately 2100 BC, this age-old tale tells the story of Gilgamesh, an oppressive demigod who reigns as king.
Anu, the god of the sky, creates a being known as Enkidu to challenge Gilgamesh’s rule. Upon besting Enkidu in combat, Gilgamesh gains a great deal of respect for him and decides to take him on as an ally. This fascinating tale could very well document the origins of the infamous blade master inFinal Fantasy.
