In his book, The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Joseph Campbell has pointed out a common pattern in the plots of many mythological stories. The story of Gilgamesh largely fits this pattern, as do some stories about Heracles and Dionysus. The similarities show us what, in myth, is the nature of the hero. Here is a list which includes the major components of the pattern:

1. Separation or Departure

1. The Call to Adventure
2. Refusal of the Call
3. Supernatural Aid
4. Crossing the First Threshold
5. In the Belly of the Whale

2. Trials and Victories

1. Road of Trials
2. Meeting with Goddess*
3. Woman as the Temptress*
4. Atonement with Father*
5. Apotheosis
6. Ultimate Boon

3. Return

1. Refusal of the Return
2. Magic Flight
3. Rescue from Without
4. Return Threshold
5. Master of Two Worlds
6. Freedom to Live