Fighting for Friendship in the Epic Gilgamesh Essay

The epic of Gilgamesh opens with the people of Uruk unhappy about Gilgameshs behavior. He sends all boys off to war and no virgin is left to her groom because Gilgamesh must have them first. The people appeal to the gods and Aruru, goddess of creation, fashions Enkidu. Her intentions are to create someone who can resist Gilgamesh, although Enkidu first acts as a wild beast grazing in the fields and protecting the other animals. A harlot is called for to civilize Enkidu and after sleeping with her he realizes he is forever changed and now must go to fulfill his destiny. He travels to Uruk to challenge Gilgamesh. Although Gilgamesh wins, he is forever changed and gains a true friend. What is the meaning of the friendship between Gilgamesh†¦show more content†¦As an animal he did what he wanted when he wanted to, yet as a civil human being he now gains the knowledge of right and wrong and meaning. He must now live with a conscience and must realize his purpose. As a reader, we understand the consequences of Enkidus action yet like him, many times; we act without thought of the outcome. The harlot describes Gilgamesh as a, ...very strong, and like a wild bull he lords it over men, despite him being civilized he rules like a wild animal. Enkidu must travel to Uruk to civilize Gilgamesh. As he enters the city Gilgameshs people rejoice, seeing Enkidu is a match for even their King. Enkidu and Gilgamesh fight and despite Gilgamesh winning he is forever changed. He has found, in Enkidu, the one thing he has never had in a person an equal. As the harlot civilized Enkidu, he civilized Gilgamesh by his friendship, causing him to change his ways forever. Gilgamesh realizes through Enkidu that he has not made a lasting name for himself and they set out together to do this. First, they slay Humbaba, Keeper of the Cedars, based on Enkidus urging. Then Gilgamesh refuses Ishtar and because of her rage she sends down the Bull of Heaven which they also slay. The gods become enraged and decides one of the two must die. Enkidu is the one decided upon and becomes extremely ill. Gilgamesh never leaves his side throughout his illness. Despite him knowing Enkidu will die he cannot leave his friend alone and stays with him till theShow MoreRelatedComparsion f Epic of Gilgaines and Step Brothers1314 Words   |  5 Pagesancient Babylonian myth, Epic of Gilgamesh, depicts the harsh journey of a king and his quest for immortality, it also shares similarity to a modern movie, Step Brothers, by unraveling the story of two strangers who set aside their differences to become bonded as friends and brothers. The Epic of Gilgamesh is similar to the movie Step Brothers because they are both introduced with two main characters that share dislike for one another. 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