Gilgamesh

Origin

A member of the Eternals, Gilgamesh spent much of his early life wandering the Earth. During this time he was often regarded as a figure from legend or myth, such as Hercules, Atlas and Samson. Eventually, the leader of the Eternals, Zuras, sentenced Gilgamesh to be confined in Olympia, ostensibly because of Gilgamesh's prideful meddling in the mortal world. He remained in exile for some time, shunned by his fellow Eternals.  

Creation

Gilgamesh was created by Jack Kirby. He made his first appearance in The Eternals #13. 

Major Story Arcs

Celestials  

Gilgamesh is called out of exile by fellow Eternal Sprite, who seeks his aid to prevent the Deviants from attacking the Celestials with a bomb. Initially reluctant to leave his exile, Sprite manages to convince him to help, persuading him that Zuras' edicts do not hold while he is incapacitated as he has been. Gilgamesh travels into space, where the One Above All teleports him onto the Deviants' ship. There he is able to destroy the bomb, but is cast into space by the resulting explosion. He is rescued by the One Above All, who gives him the name "Hero". He spends some time with the Celestials, and is sent home to warn the Eternals off of interfering in the affairs of the Celestials. This brings him into conflict with Thor, who defeats him. 

The Avengers 

Gilgamesh joins the Avengers, whose membership has recently been greatly reduced. He fights alongside the Avengers for some time, taking on such enemies as demons, the Orphan-Maker, and the U-Foes. During a battle with the Lava Men, Gilgamesh receives serious injuries, necessitating his return to Olympia to recuperate. After he is healed by the Eternals, it is revealed that he has become linked to Olympia due to his long exile, and to leave it is to weaken himself. He officially leaves the Avengers upon learning this.     

The Crossing  

Following an attack on Olympia, Gilgamesh is left behind as a guard while the other Eternals go off to capture the fleeing attackers. He is soon captured by Immortus, who forces him to train the Anachronauts. Gilgamesh is able to escape, but begins to suffer accelerated aging. He manages to make his way towards the Avengers Mansion, and is rescued from Anachronauts by the Avengers. He is killed by Neut before he is able to warn the Avengers of the danger. 

Powers and Abilities

As an Eternal, Gilgamesh possesses all the powers and abilities inherent to his race. This includes functional immortality and eternal youth, as well as invulnerability and an immunity to most illnesses and poisons. He can regenerate damaged tissue due to the molecular control he exerts over his body, though this control only exists with concentration. He is exceptionally strong, and has been identified as one of the most physically powerful Eternals, second only to Thanos. He is capable of unaided flight, manipulating matter, and producing concussive or heat blasts from his eyes and hands. He has superhuman senses and reflexes. He is an exceptionally skilled unarmed combatant, and has also shown proficiency with most simple personal weapons, such as axes and spears. He is a skilled hunter and tracker.