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What are the similarities of a god-like intervention in The Epic of Gilgamesh and The Odyssey?

Both the Odyssey and the Epic of Gilgamesh exhibit numerous instances of divine intervention. In both stories, the protagonists and their companions anger at least one of the gods, and the god(s) respond(s) by sentencing at least one of the protagonist's companions to death. In the Odyssey, Odysseus blinds Polyphemus the cyclops; this angers Polyphemus' father, Poseidon, so he shipwrecks Odysseus' party, killing his companions and leaving him stranded on Calypso's island. In the Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh and Enkidu anger the gods by killing the Bull of Heaven; in response, the gods kill Enkidu.


Additionally, both protagonists receive help from the gods. Athena convinces Zeus to set Odysseus free from his imprisonment on Calypso's island, and she gives him help throughout his journey home (she also helps Telemachus, Odysseus' son). Likewise, Gilgamesh receives help from Shamash, the Mesopotamian sun god.

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