Gilgamesh

Lore & Background

In ancient history, Gilgamesh was a real king of Uruk whose deeds were recorded in epic poetry. As a Servant, he retains memories of his life and views modern humanity with disdain. He believes that he alone possesses the wisdom to judge what is worthy of existence, treating most people as mere insects beneath his notice. His relationship with Enkidu is central to his character development, representing the only bond that truly challenged his isolation.

This friendship shaped his understanding of mortality and legacy. In the Grail War context, he seeks the vessel not for personal gain in a traditional sense, but to fulfill a grand design involving the purification or destruction of what he deems flawed. Gilgamesh's philosophy often clashes with other Servants who fight for their Masters' wishes. He views the Holy Grail as a tool that should be used by those worthy enough to wield it, which often leads him into conflict with those he considers unworthy dreamers.

Reader's Guide

Gilgamesh is an ancient Sumerian king summoned as a Heroic Spirit during the Holy Grail War. He typically manifests in the Archer class, though he operates independently of most Masters for much of his tenure. His personality is defined by supreme arrogance and a view that modern humanity consists merely of insects unworthy of his time or respect. Throughout the conflict, he observes battles from high above, intervening only when it suits his amusement or specific goals regarding the Grail.

His primary power stems from the Gate of Babylon, an infinite treasury containing replicas of legendary treasures from history. He fires these items like projectiles with immense speed and precision to overwhelm opponents. His ultimate weapon is Ea, a sword capable of cutting through space itself, which he reserves for significant threats or worthy opponents who can draw his attention. In his narrative arc, Gilgamesh seeks the Holy Grail to rewrite reality according to his own will, specifically seeking to eliminate what he deems flawed within the world.

He forms a temporary alliance with Kirei Kotomine but remains loyal only to himself and his desires. His interactions often highlight themes of legacy and the burden of being a king who outlived everything he loved, including his closest friend Enkidu.