Series & First Appearance
Gilgamesh is a prominent character in the Fate series, first appearing in Fate/stay night, which was created by Type-Moon. The character was introduced as part of the Fourth Holy Grail War storyline and has since appeared in various adaptations, including Fate/Zero, Fate/Grand Order, and Fate/kaleid liner PRISMA☆ILLYA.
Profile at a Glance
Gilgamesh is often portrayed as an Archer-class Servant with an apparent age that can vary but generally appears middle-aged. He serves primarily as an antagonist but also plays complex roles in various narratives, including that of an ally. His signature abilities include an extensive collection of Noble Phantasms, most notably the Gate of Babylon, which allows him to summon legendary weapons and artifacts at will.
Personality & Motivations
Gilgamesh embodies arrogance, narcissism, and a strong sense of superiority. He views humanity with disdain and often believes they are unworthy of his rule. Motivated by a desire for power and dominion, he seeks to cleanse the world of what he perceives as its corruption. His catchphrase, "’All the evils in the world’? Bring thrice as much if you want to stain me!" captures his invincible arrogance and refusal to back down from challenges.
Abilities / Powers
Gilgamesh possesses a plethora of abilities that set him apart as one of the most powerful Servants:
- Gate of Babylon: This unique Noble Phantasm functions as both a key and a treasury, housing countless Noble Phantasms which he can summon instantaneously.
- Merodach: This Noble Phantasm carries immense magical power, even surpassing some of its famous descendants.
- Durendal: An indestructible holy sword that remains sharp regardless of the user’s magical energy.
- Ea (Enuma Elish): His strongest weapon, capable of creating devastating reality-warping blasts; its origins are not from the mortal plane, making it irreplicable.
- Vimana: A legendary flying vehicle that adds mobility to his combat style.
Despite his incredible abilities, Gilgamesh’s arrogance sometimes leads him to underestimate opponents, which can result in strategic vulnerabilities.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Gilgamesh’s narrative arc is primarily explored in the Fate/stay night and Fate/Zero series. During the Fourth Holy Grail War, initially summoned by Tokiomi Toosaka, he partners with Kirei Kotomine after Toosaka’s demise. His goal of obtaining the Holy Grail is driven by a warped vision of cleansing humanity. A significant turning point occurs when Kiritsugu Emiya kills his master, allowing Gilgamesh to retain his physical form long enough to become tainted by the corrupted Grail. This experience alters his personality, making him more eccentric.
In Fate/Grand Order, he is portrayed with a blend of mischief and charisma, establishing himself as a complicated figure capable of both ridicule and support for fellow Heroes. His youthful appearance in Fate/kaleid liner PRISMA☆ILLYA allows for a slightly lighter depiction, which contrasts with his usual demeanor.
Notable Relationships
- Enkidu: As his closest friend and companion, Enkidu represents Gilgamesh’s humanity, serving as a foil to his arrogance. Their bond profoundly influences Gilgamesh’s character development.
- Saber (Artoria Pendragon): Gilgamesh exhibits a unique relationship with Saber, claiming to have known her in the past, which adds complexity to their encounters.
- Kirei Kotomine: As his master during the Fourth Holy Grail War, Kirei facilitates a pivotal partnership that furthers Gilgamesh’s ambitions.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Gilgamesh’s standout moments occurs in Fate/stay night, particularly during his encounter with Saber, where he asserts his superiority and challenges her notions of heroism. His devastating proclamation, "I am the King of Heroes!" encapsulates his ongoing conflict with the ideals of nobility versus tyranny. His battles, particularly the climactic ones against Kiritsugu and Saber, are remembered for their intense dialogue and philosophical depth.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Gilgamesh, as a character, has been widely popular among fans of the Fate series, achieving over 15,800 member favorites on MyAnimeList. His character design is credited to Takashi Takeuchi, who imbues him with a regal and commanding presence. The character’s voice is performed by Noriaki Sugiyama in the Japanese version, while he is voiced by Matthew Mercer in the English dub. Gilgamesh’s narrative is not only derived from historical legend but also reflects themes of hubris and existential inquiry, making him a subject of much analysis and discussion among fans.
Through these diverse portrayals across various Fate media, Gilgamesh remains a compelling figure whose complex motivations and relationships contribute to his enduring status in anime and gaming culture.
