The epic of Gilgamesh fits Cambell’s idea of monomyth in a very precise manner. The story actually fits the monomyth two fold, first there is the adventure of with Enkidu which has all three stages and secondly the adventure for eternity also has all three stages, making this a very interesting epic.
In the first section there is the adventure of Enkidu. The first stage, or the departure stage, begins in two fold. In the first section of the story it occurs when in several areas. First, Enkidu tries to convince Gilgamesh not engage Humbaba because he knows of the demons power, this fulfills the refusal of the quest. Secondly, Gilgamesh has second thoughts about his ability to overpower Humbaba, fulfilling the Supernatural aid section. Other key parts are met as well but these were two of the major ones. Also, in the second section of the story after Enkidu dies these examples are met again.
Stage two occurs in both sections of the story as well. In the first section it is included several times. But in the second section the prime examples are when Gilgamesh meets with Siduri and she gives him advice, this fulfills the Meeting with the God/Goddess. Another a prime example is when Gilgamesh learns of the flood filling the apothesis section.
Stage three, or the return stage happens in both sections as well. In the first section it occurs on their return from defeating the demon Humbaba. It also occurs in the last section when Gilgamesh returns from his quest for eternity.
Overall this story is a very good example of Joseph Campbell’s example of a monomyth. Several or all of the examples from each stage are represented throughout the story in both the first section and second section.
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