The Forgotten One (Gilgamesh)

• Core Identity: A cosmically-powered Eternal of immense strength, The Forgotten One has lived for millennia under countless names, often as an outcast from his own people, defined by his lonely heroism and immense physical power.
• Key Takeaways:
• Role in the Universe: The Forgotten One serves as one of the most physically powerful members of the Eternals, a race of human-like beings created by the Celestials. His history is marked by long periods of self-imposed exile, leading to his primary moniker, as he was often erased from or simply omitted from the histories of both humanity and his own kind. Eternals.
• Primary Impact: Gilgamesh's greatest impact stems from his raw power, often serving as a benchmark for Class 100+ strength, placing him in the same tier as beings like Thor and hercules. His brief but significant tenure as an Avenger brought the cosmic world of the Eternals directly into Earth's premier superhero team.
• Key Incarnations: In the comics (Earth-616), he is a lonely, wandering warrior, blinded for a time and often at odds with his fellow Eternals. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he is reimagined as a warm, steadfast protector, primarily defined by his deep, loyal bond with Thena, with whom he lives in a quiet exile.

The character first appeared as “Hero” in a one-panel cameo in The Eternals #11 (May 1977) before making his full debut in The Eternals #13 (July 1977). He was created by the legendary writer and artist Jack Kirby as part of his sweeping cosmic epic that introduced the Eternals, Deviants, and Celestials to the Marvel Universe. Kirby's creation of the Eternals was heavily influenced by Erich von Däniken's “Chariots of the Gods?” theories, which postulated that ancient myths and legends were actually interpretations of real-life encounters with extraterrestrial beings. The Forgotten One was Kirby's embodiment of this concept, a single immortal being who was the “real” figure behind countless mythological strongmen and heroes, including Samson, Beowulf, and, most famously, Gilgamesh. His original name, “The Forgotten One,” was a literal description of his plight: an immortal so often exiled or isolated that his own people, led by Zuras, had ceased to speak of him. This backstory provided a built-in sense of tragedy and mystique, making him a compelling and enigmatic figure from his inception. It wasn't until The Mighty Thor #291 (1980) that he was explicitly associated with the name Gilgamesh. The character's most significant development outside the Eternals' own titles came during the late 1980s when writers Walter Simonson and Bob Harras integrated him into the Avengers, providing a fresh context for his immense power and exploring his interactions with mainstream Marvel heroes.

Born over 100,000 years ago in Olympia, Greece, The Forgotten One is a member of the third or fourth generation of Eternals. From his earliest days, he possessed a rebellious spirit and a deep-seated desire to intervene in mortal affairs, a practice strictly forbidden by the Eternals' leader, Zuras. Unlike his brethren who remained aloof, The Forgotten One traveled the world, using his incredible strength to battle tyrants, slay dangerous beasts, and aid humanity. Over the centuries, he became the basis for numerous myths, adopting names like Beowulf, Samson, and Hercules (causing confusion and a rivalry with the actual Olympian demigod). His most famous identity was Gilgamesh, the legendary king of Uruk in ancient Mesopotamia. His constant meddling in human history earned him Zuras's wrath. As punishment for his hubris and for revealing the Eternals' existence to mortals, Zuras confined him to a small, isolated sector of Olympia for centuries. This long punishment is what led to his primary name; he was deliberately “forgotten” by his people. He was eventually freed by the Eternal Sprite to help his brethren confront the monstrous Deviants during the arrival of the Celestials' Fourth Host. During a critical battle against a Deviant warlord, he defied Zuras's orders to protect mortals. As a result, the Celestial known as the One Above All ¹⁾ temporarily blinded him as a punishment for his arrogance. After this event, he wandered the Earth as a blind adventurer, eventually becoming known simply as “Hero.” His path crossed with the Avengers when they were embroiled in a cosmic conflict. Recognizing his power and noble heart, Captain America offered him membership. As an Avenger, he fought threats like blastaar and nebula. However, the immense power he wielded took a toll on his body, and he sustained grave injuries that nearly killed him. He was taken back to Olympia by his fellow Eternals for healing, ending his tenure with the Avengers. Like all Eternals, he was later affected by Sprite's reality-altering trickery, which made the Eternals mortal and erased their memories. Gilgamesh lived as a circus strongman in Brazil until his memories were restored. He would later be brutally murdered by thanos during the Mad Titan's assault on Olympia, but due to the Eternals' unique resurrection process via the Exclusion, he was eventually reborn.

The origin of Gilgamesh in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Earth-199999) is significantly streamlined and re-contextualized, as depicted in the film Eternals (2021). Here, he is one of the ten Eternals created by the Celestial Arishem on the World Forge and sent to Earth in 5000 BCE. His mission, along with his companions, was to protect humanity from the monstrous Deviants to ensure the population could grow large enough to facilitate the “Emergence” of a new Celestial, Tiamut, from the planet's core—a process that would destroy Earth. In this continuity, Gilgamesh is not an outcast or a wanderer. He is a loyal and integral member of the team, known for his immense strength and his role as the group's “strongman.” His primary personality trait is a deep well of kindness and empathy, which contrasts with his formidable power. His most defining relationship is with Thena, the Eternal's greatest warrior. When Thena begins to suffer from Mahd Wy'ry (a fictional affliction caused by the psychic strain of millennia of erased memories), she becomes a danger to herself and others, plagued by violent episodes. While Ikaris, the tactical leader, believes she should be “reset” (a process that would erase her personality), Gilgamesh vehemently objects. He volunteers to become her full-time guardian, exiling himself from the group to care for her. For centuries, Gilgamesh and Thena live in a secluded cabin in Australia. He helps her manage her Mahd Wy'ry, providing a stable, calming presence and becoming a surrogate family for her. He also develops a passion for cooking, famously preparing pies for his friends. When the Eternals are forced to reunite to stop the impending Emergence, Gilgamesh stands with them. During a climactic battle against the evolved Deviant named Kro in the Amazon, Gilgamesh sacrifices his life to protect Thena, using his final moments to empower her. His death is a pivotal and emotional moment, fueling Thena's resolve to defy Arishem and save humanity. This version of Gilgamesh is defined not by being forgotten, but by his unforgettable loyalty and sacrifice.

Gilgamesh is one of the most physically powerful Eternals, second only to a cosmically-enhanced Ikaris or a prime Zuras. His abilities are a result of the Celestials' genetic engineering and his own mastery over his cosmic energies.

• Powers and Abilities:
• Superhuman Strength: This is his most famous attribute. Gilgamesh is a member of the elite “Class 100+” strength category, meaning he can lift well over 100 tons. He has been shown to be a physical match for beings like Thor and hercules, two of Earth's strongest heroes. He can shatter mountains, lift incredible weights, and his blows can stagger even the most durable of foes.
• Superhuman Durability: His body is incredibly resistant to injury. He can withstand high-caliber bullets, falls from immense heights, extreme temperatures, and powerful energy blasts without harm. His life force is augmented by cosmic energy, making him far more durable than a being like Luke Cage or even The Thing.
• Superhuman Stamina: Gilgamesh's Eternal physiology produces almost no fatigue toxins. He can exert himself at peak capacity for several days before beginning to tire.
• Superhuman Speed and Reflexes: While not a speedster on the level of quicksilver, he can run and move at speeds far beyond the physical limits of the finest human athlete.
• Flight: By manipulating gravitons around himself, Gilgamesh can levitate and fly at high speeds.
• Cosmic Energy Manipulation: Like all Eternals, he can manipulate cosmic energy for a variety of effects. While he is not as skilled as sersi or Ikaris in this area, he can:
  • Project powerful beams of concussive force or intense heat from his eyes and hands.
  • Generate force fields for protection.
  • Telekinetically manipulate objects.
• Molecular Rearrangement: He possesses a limited ability to rearrange the molecular structure of objects, though he rarely uses this power.
• Immortality & Regeneration: He is functionally immortal, immune to age and conventional diseases. He can regenerate from almost any injury, though sufficiently catastrophic damage can kill him. Even then, the Eternal machines can resurrect him.
• Master Combatant: With millennia of experience, Gilgamesh is a master of hand-to-hand combat, having practiced countless fighting styles throughout human history.
• Personality: The comic version of Gilgamesh is often defined by a profound sense of loneliness and isolation. He is noble, brave, and possesses an unshakeable heroic instinct. However, his long exile has made him somewhat withdrawn and melancholic. He craves companionship and acceptance, which he briefly found with the Avengers, but his nature as an immortal outcast often pushes him back into solitude. He is proud and can be arrogant, a trait that has gotten him into trouble with both Zuras and the Celestials.
• Equipment: Gilgamesh typically fights unarmed, relying on his raw power. During his time as an Avenger, he wore a costume gifted to him by captain_america that was designed to resemble a bull, a nod to his Mesopotamian heritage. He has also been known to wield simple, ancient weapons like axes or spears, which he can imbue with cosmic energy.

The MCU's Gilgamesh retains his core identity as a super-strong Eternal but with a more specialized power set and a vastly different personality.

• Powers and Abilities:
• Superhuman Strength and Durability: Consistent with his comic counterpart, Gilgamesh is the physically strongest of the film's Eternals. He is shown effortlessly dispatching Deviants with his brute force and withstanding their attacks. His strength is portrayed as the team's primary offensive tool in close-quarters combat.
• Cosmic Energy Exoskeleton: This is his signature ability in the MCU. Gilgamesh channels his cosmic energy to form a tangible, glowing golden exoskeleton around his arms and fists. These constructs act as powerful gauntlets, dramatically amplifying the force of his punches and serving as durable shields. This is a significant departure from the comics' more generic energy blasts, giving him a unique visual and combat style tailored for cinematic action. He is arguably the most skilled of the Eternals in manifesting this specific type of construct.
• Immortality and Regeneration: As in the comics, he is immortal and can heal from injuries. However, his death at the hands of Kro demonstrates that this durability has its limits; sufficient trauma, particularly the draining of his cosmic energy, can kill him.
• Personality: Portrayed by Ma Dong-seok (Don Lee), the MCU's Gilgamesh is the heart of his family of Eternals. He is warm, good-humored, patient, and immensely loyal. His defining characteristic is his unwavering dedication to Thena. He is a protector and a nurturer, not a lonely wanderer. His love for cooking and creating a comfortable home for Thena showcases a gentle, domestic side that starkly contrasts with his immense power. This interpretation completely removes the comic version's arrogance and melancholy, replacing it with a quiet, confident strength and profound kindness.
• Equipment: Gilgamesh wears the standard Eternals armor. His primary “equipment” is the cosmic energy exoskeleton he manifests for combat. He does not use external weapons.

• Thena (MCU): In the MCU, this is Gilgamesh's most important relationship. It is a deep, platonic bond built on centuries of mutual trust and care. He is her anchor, her protector, and the only one who can reliably calm her during her Mahd Wy'ry episodes. His sacrifice is made for her, and his memory becomes a driving force in her decision to protect Earth.
• Sprite (Earth-616): During his early reintroduction, the eternally-young Sprite was Gilgamesh's primary companion and the one who freed him from his long confinement. She acted as his guide to the modern world and was one of the few Eternals who consistently remembered and respected him.
• Thor & Hercules (Earth-616): Gilgamesh shares a friendly but intense rivalry with the God of Thunder and the Prince of Power. They often compete in feats of strength and have fought alongside each other against common foes. They represent the small, elite fraternity of beings whose physical power operates at the highest levels.
• Captain America (Earth-616): As the leader of the Avengers who recruited him, Steve Rogers saw past Gilgamesh's immense power to the noble hero within. Captain America's unwavering belief in him provided Gilgamesh with a sense of belonging he had rarely experienced.

• The Deviants: As an Eternal, the Deviants are his race's ancestral and most frequent enemy in both continuities. They are the monstrous, unstable counterparts to the Eternals' perfection, and he has slain countless numbers of them over the millennia. In the MCU, the evolved Deviant Kro becomes his final adversary, killing him and absorbing some of his power.
• Druig (Earth-616): While not a personal arch-nemesis, Gilgamesh has often found himself on the opposite side of the ambitious and manipulative Druig. Druig's cynical view of humanity and his lust for power stand in stark opposition to Gilgamesh's protective instincts.
• Zuras (Earth-616): While not an enemy in the traditional sense, the former leader of the Eternals was Gilgamesh's primary antagonist for much of his existence. It was Zuras who exiled him and punished him, representing the rigid authority and tradition that Gilgamesh's individualism railed against.

• Eternals: His primary affiliation is with his own race, the Eternals. However, in the comics, this is a fraught relationship. He is an Eternal by birth, but his actions and Zuras's decrees have often made him an outcast, the “black sheep” of the family. He is loyal to their ultimate cause but frequently operates outside their strict social structure. In the MCU, he is a much more integrated and beloved member of the family unit.
• The Avengers (Earth-616): Gilgamesh served as a full, card-carrying member of the Avengers for a notable period. He joined during a time when the team's roster was in flux and provided them with much-needed cosmic-level power. This tenure is a critical part of his history, as it integrated him into the broader Marvel Universe beyond the Eternals' isolated corner.

This is the storyline that reintroduced The Forgotten One to the Marvel Universe. Freed by Sprite, he arrives to aid his fellow Eternals in their desperate battle against the Deviants as the cosmic Celestials arrive to pass judgment on Earth. It is here that he showcases his incredible power, but also his defining recklessness. His defiance of Zuras in this conflict leads directly to him being blinded by the Celestials, a pivotal moment that defines his character arc for years to come, forcing the powerful warrior to learn a new form of humility and sensory awareness.

After wandering the Earth as a blind hero, Gilgamesh is discovered by the Avengers. Captain America, impressed by his power and nobility, recruits him onto a new roster that includes Thor, Mr. Fantastic, and the Invisible Woman. During his time as an Avenger, he helps battle Blastaar, Nebula, and the Supernova. This arc was crucial for establishing him as more than just an “Eternal character,” proving he could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Earth's Mightiest Heroes. The physical toll of these battles nearly kills him, providing a dramatic exit from the team and reinforcing the immense scale of his power.

In this seminal limited series, all the Eternals have been made mortal with no memory of their past lives due to the machinations of a resentful Sprite. Gilgamesh is found living as “O Amigo Poderoso,” a popular circus strongman in Brazil. He is a kind, simple man beloved by the local children. This storyline provided a poignant look at the man behind the myth, showing his inherent goodness even when stripped of his godlike power and identity. His eventual reawakening is a key part of the Eternals' struggle to reclaim their heritage.

In the modern era of Eternals comics, their resurrection process has been revealed to come at the cost of a random human life. When Thanos, resurrected as the leader of the Eternals, seeks to consolidate his power, he systematically hunts and murders his own kind. Gilgamesh is one of his victims, killed in a brutal confrontation. His death serves as a major political catalyst within the new Eternal society, highlighting the stakes of their internal conflicts and the true threat that Thanos represents to them.

Unlike many major Marvel characters, The Forgotten One has very few prominent alternate-reality variants. His moniker seems ironically apt, as his presence is rarely felt across the multiverse in major storylines like Age of Apocalypse or the Ultimate Universe (Earth-1610).

• Mythological Counterpart: The most significant “variant” is the source of his name: the mythological Gilgamesh, protagonist of the ancient Mesopotamian Epic of Gilgamesh. Marvel's Earth-616 continuity posits that its Gilgamesh is the historical figure who inspired these legends. This blending of myth and superhero fiction is a core tenet of the Eternals' concept.
• Heroes Reborn (1996): While not a direct appearance, the world created by Franklin Richards featured its own versions of gods and myths. In this reality, the role of a “mythological strongman” was filled primarily by that world's version of Hercules, leaving no narrative space for Gilgamesh to appear.

His lack of significant variants speaks to his historical status as a C-list character within the broader Marvel tapestry, often overshadowed by more popular Eternals like Sersi and Ikaris. The MCU's popular and well-received interpretation may lead to a greater presence for the character and potential variants in future transmedia and comic projects.

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