Gilgamesh is a striking figure with golden hair that stands up like a blazing flame, complementing his regal demeanor. His face is described as exceedingly handsome, with piercing crimson eyes that radiate a mysterious, inhuman glow, instilling a sense of awe and intimidation in those who meet his gaze. His “perfect, golden-proportioned body” exudes majesty, such that even flames are said to hesitate in approaching him, and his very soul is described as glowing gold. He is typically adorned in ornate, golden armor that leaves a strong impression on anyone he encounters. When fighting at full power, as depicted in Fate/hollow ataraxia, he gains red tattoos across his body that enhance his fearsome appearance.

Gilgamesh is frequently referred to by nicknames highlighting his golden features, such as the “Golden Archer” or “Goldie,” the latter being Rider’s moniker for him. Rin Tohsaka humorously calls him “Gold-glitter” (金ピカ, Kin-Pika), attributing it not only to his appearance but also to the aura of luxury and opulence that surrounds him. In modern society, after living among humans for ten years following the Fourth Holy Grail War, Gilgamesh adopts casual fashion trends, collecting various stylish outfits that align with his princely demeanor.

Gilgamesh, often referred to as the “King of Heroes,” exudes an aura of unparalleled arrogance, confidence, and self-centeredness, rooted in his belief that he is the ultimate sovereign. Unlike most leaders in history, Gilgamesh places himself above his nation and people, viewing enjoyment and the acquisition of treasures as the sole purpose of his rule. He governs through sheer conviction, treating good and evil equally, guided only by the principle that his will is absolute. His actions, whether astute or whimsical, are considered the indisputable decrees of a king.

Gilgamesh regards all beings as beneath him, referring to others as “mongrels” and despising anyone who dares consider themselves his equal. His disdain for both kings and gods stems from his belief in his own supreme authority. The only exceptions to this view are Enkidu, his sole equal and dearest companion, and a few others he respects, such as Iskander, Artoria, and occasionally Ozymandias. He loathes ignorance of his status, deeming it an unforgivable offense punishable by death. Despite his disdain for modern humanity, whom he sees as weak, he intends to use the Holy Grail to cull the population and rule over the survivors, restoring worth to the world.

Gilgamesh’s relationship with Artoria (Saber) is particularly complex. He admires her ideals and stubbornness, proposing that she becomes his queen, but he finds her most captivating when she opposes him. Conversely, he has no interest in Saber Alter, as she has abandoned her ideals. Gilgamesh’s admiration for Kirei Kotomine extends to genuine affection, seeing Kirei as one of the few who align with his worldview. He also harbors a rare tolerance and soft spot for children, as demonstrated in his interactions with Tiné Chelc in Fate/strange Fake and his playful yet commanding demeanor with the children of Uruk in the Babylonia Singularity.

Gilgamesh’s tyranny is exemplified by his ruthlessness and absolute rule. He eliminates anyone he deems unworthy of life, regardless of their status or deeds. He has a cruel and heartless nature, disregarding others’ opinions and holding only his own standards as absolute. Despite his authoritarian demeanor, he finds joy in humanity’s potential, admiring those who strive for dreams far beyond their capacity, such as Artoria and Kirei.

As a compulsive collector, Gilgamesh possesses all the treasures of the world in his treasury, a feat he does not consider metaphorical. He values the tools and civilizations humans create, even while dismissing humanity itself as foolish. His habit of using these treasures as projectiles during combat stems from his fight with Enkidu, marking a shift in his relationship with his vast collection.

In battle, Gilgamesh is both formidable and dismissive. He often underestimates opponents, viewing combat as an amusement rather than a challenge. He rarely fights seriously, deploying his full strength only against those he respects or when the situation whimsically demands it. This overconfidence often leads to his downfall, as he fails to recognize threats until it is too late.

Gilgamesh’s personality is influenced by the era in which he is summoned. In the Fourth Holy Grail War, he enjoys the events as a mere observer, while in the Fifth War, he actively pursues his goal of remaking humanity and coercing Saber into marriage. Despite his pride and arrogance, he has shown moments of leniency, playfulness, and even good-natured behavior, revealing a multifaceted personality that makes him one of the most enigmatic and compelling figures in the Fate series.

Gilgamesh serves as the Archer-class Servant of Tokiomi Tohsaka during the Fourth Holy Grail War. His interactions with Kirei Kotomine lead to the latter’s descent into corruption, culminating in a new contract between the two. Gilgamesh’s role in Fate/Zero establishes his disdain for modern humanity and his belief in his own superiority.

During the Fifth Holy Grail War, Gilgamesh acts independently under Kirei Kotomine’s command, seeking to impose his rule over humanity. His ultimate goal is to use the corrupted Holy Grail to purge the world and create a new kingdom where only the worthy survive.

Gilgamesh is summoned as one of the Servants by Ritsuka Fujimaru, contributing to the Grand Order conflicts. His portrayal in Fate/Grand Order highlights his wisdom and kingly qualities, showcasing his ability to lead and protect despite his characteristic arrogance.

• Kirei Kotomine
  Gilgamesh forms a deep connection with Kirei, serving as both an ally and a manipulator. He recognizes Kirei’s hidden darkness and nurtures it, forging a complex bond based on mutual ambition and understanding.

• Tokiomi Tohsaka
  Initially Gilgamesh’s Master in the Fourth Holy Grail War, Tokiomi’s overly respectful and submissive attitude toward Gilgamesh leads to their strained dynamic and eventual betrayal.

• Shirou Emiya
  Gilgamesh views Shirou as an unworthy challenger, ridiculing his ideals of heroism. Their ideological clash serves as one of the central conflicts of Fate/stay night.

• Enkidu
  As a character rooted in Mesopotamian mythology, Gilgamesh’s bond with Enkidu is central to his lore. Enkidu represents the one companion Gilgamesh considers an equal and a true friend.

Gilgamesh’s character is iconic within the Fate series, embodying themes of kingship, power, and the struggles of human ambition. His appearances across various adaptations, including Fate/Zero, Fate/stay night, and Fate/Grand Order, have cemented him as one of the franchise’s most recognizable and complex figures. His regal demeanor, legendary origins, and multifaceted personality continue to captivate fans worldwide.