What Class is Gilgamesh? Understanding the King of Heroes
Gilgamesh, often referred to as the King of Heroes, is predominantly known as an Archer-class Servant in the Fate universe. This designation, however, is somewhat of a misnomer given his diverse capabilities, which far exceed what one typically expects from an Archer. While he is summoned most frequently under the Archer class, it’s crucial to understand that his true power set and abilities make him an outlier, even among other heroic spirits. Gilgamesh’s Archer status is more a reflection of his vast collection of treasures, which he readily hurls like projectiles, rather than his skill with a bow or conventional archery.
The Archer Class Misconception
Gilgamesh’s classification as an Archer is primarily attributed to his Noble Phantasm, the Gate of Babylon. This ability allows him to access and wield an unparalleled collection of prototypes of all Noble Phantasms, representing the very origin of all heroic legends and weapons. He uses these treasures as projectile weapons, launching them at his opponents with devastating force. This ability makes him exceptionally potent from a distance, thus fulfilling the primary role of an Archer Servant.
Why He Doesn’t Fit the Typical Archer Mold
While he fits the technical classification, Gilgamesh’s capabilities greatly surpass those of standard Archers. He possesses remarkable physical strength, durability, and combat prowess, which are not typical of the Archer class. His arrogant and disdainful attitude frequently sees him entering melee combat, where he displays considerable skill despite not being specialized as a swordsman or lancer. Additionally, his access to a wide array of powerful magical artifacts and conceptual weaponry through Gate of Babylon allows him to adapt to virtually any situation, making him incredibly versatile. He rarely uses archery skills. His primary approach is bombarding enemies with an unending barrage of legendary weapons.
Gilgamesh’s Power and Status
Gilgamesh isn’t just a powerful Archer; he’s often cited as one of the strongest, if not the strongest, Servants in the entire Fate series. His overwhelming strength and abilities stem from his status as a demigod, being born from a human king and a deity. His unique status as the first hero also contributes to his strength, giving him access to all legendary weaponry that followed in human history. Gilgamesh’s capabilities are so extensive that he can even manifest without a Master for a limited time under normal circumstances because of his A-rank. He relies less on mana from a master and more on his divine heritage.
The King of Heroes
Beyond his physical prowess and vast armory, Gilgamesh’s status as the King of Heroes speaks volumes about his strength and influence. His arrogance and god-like complex are a result of his immense power, making him a formidable force that few can challenge. He views all others as mere “mongrels” and sees the world as his personal domain. This arrogant demeanor is a key aspect of his character and often influences his battle strategies, sometimes to his detriment.
Gilgamesh’s Appearances and Class Variety
Though his most iconic class is Archer, he has been known to manifest as a Caster-class Servant. This alternative summoning highlights another facet of his power, emphasizing his magical abilities and knowledge. As a Caster, Gilgamesh would likely focus less on direct combat and more on manipulating reality, creating illusions, and deploying ancient magic. This further underscores his versatility and the depth of his capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gilgamesh
Here are some common questions regarding Gilgamesh and his abilities:
1. What is Gilgamesh’s True Class?
While most commonly summoned as an Archer, Gilgamesh’s true strength lies in his versatility, making him arguably classless. His access to the Gate of Babylon, with all its legendary treasures, gives him power far beyond a typical Archer.
2. Was Gilgamesh always an Archer?
No, he has appeared as a Caster in Fate/Grand Order. Though Archer is his most iconic class, this versatility shows that he has capabilities that transcend his typical summon class.
3. How strong is Gilgamesh compared to other Archers?
Gilgamesh is overwhelmingly the strongest Archer in the Fate series. He dwarfs the capabilities of other Archers due to his vast arsenal, unique nature, and immense power.
4. What is Gate of Babylon?
The Gate of Babylon is Gilgamesh’s primary Noble Phantasm, a dimensional vault housing countless prototypes of legendary weapons and treasures. It allows him to unleash a torrent of potent attacks on his foes.
5. What is Gilgamesh’s Enuma Elish?
Enuma Elish is Gilgamesh’s most powerful Noble Phantasm, a conceptual weapon derived from the sword Ea. It is a powerful Anti-World Noble Phantasm with the ability to destroy all creation.
6. Is Gilgamesh a demigod?
Yes, Gilgamesh is a demigod born from a human king and a deity. This unique heritage contributes to his immense strength and extraordinary abilities.
7. What is Gilgamesh’s rank?
Gilgamesh possesses an A-rank status, which allows him to manifest in the world without a Master under normal circumstances, albeit for a limited time.
8. Can Gilgamesh defeat Superman?
While Gilgamesh has incredibly powerful abilities, Superman holds the advantage in most scenarios. Though, with specific stipulations and a bloodlusting Gilgamesh, the odds can potentially even out with magic.
9. Who is Gilgamesh’s natural rival?
Enkidu is considered Gilgamesh’s greatest rival. As the creature created to be his equal and to tame his arrogance, Enkidu has the best chance of defeating him.
10. What are Gilgamesh’s known weaknesses?
Gilgamesh’s greatest weakness is his arrogance and overconfidence, often underestimating his opponents. Additionally, he has an intense aversion to Mapo Tofu.
11. How tall is Gilgamesh?
According to the Epic of Gilgamesh, he is said to be seventeen feet tall. This depiction emphasizes his imposing stature and superhuman characteristics.
12. Why is Gilgamesh so strong?
His demigod status, combined with his possession of all the world’s treasures and legends, makes him exceptionally powerful. Gilgamesh was the first hero and his origins are the basis for almost all other heroes.
13. Can Emiya (Archer) defeat Gilgamesh?
While rare, there is a possibility of Emiya defeating Gilgamesh. If Emiya can use his Unlimited Blade Works to overwhelm Gilgamesh and get into melee combat before his mana drains, he stands a chance.
14. Is Gilgamesh a villain?
Gilgamesh is often portrayed as an anti-hero, rather than a pure villain. While he is arrogant and ruthless, he does have moments of clarity and a sense of duty.
15. Who would win, Gilgamesh or Goku?
In a straightforward battle between the two with no outside interference, Gilgamesh can beat Goku in his base form with his full power Enuma Elish. If Goku were to transform, the odds become less clear and would be highly dependent on the nature and power of Enuma Elish in the matchup.
Conclusion
Gilgamesh, the King of Heroes, is a complex and incredibly powerful character whose Archer class designation only scratches the surface of his capabilities. His true strength lies in his divine heritage, unparalleled collection of treasures, and extraordinary versatility, making him a force to be reckoned with in the Fate universe. While he primarily manifests as an Archer, his abilities clearly exceed the typical boundaries of that class, cementing his status as one of the most formidable Servants.