Analysis of the Character of Gilgamesh
In the epic of Gilgamesh, there are many complex characters. Every character involved in the story has their own personality and traits.
The main character in the novel is Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh is a character who is very self-confident. He feels that he is superior to others, due to the fact that he is two-thirds god, and one-third man. This arrogance leads to his being cruel at the beginning of the story. Gilgamesh is described as, ãtwo-thirds of him divine, one-third human... Gilgamesh does not allow the son to go with his father; day and night he oppresses the weak... Gilgamesh does not let the young woman go to her mother, the girl to the warrior, the bride to the young groomä (tablet I, column ii, 1, 12-13, 27-28). Gilgamesh is a man with no equal, so he feels superior.
Although Gilgamesh starts out cruel he develops into a very kindhearted man. He is extremely supportive of Enkidu and encourages him in various situations. When the men are fighting Humbaba Gilgamesh says, ã[you] will surpass all of them... a friend who knows battle understands fighting... stand, friend, we will [go up] togetherä (tablet IV, column vi, 29, 31, 37). Gilgamesh also exhibits his sensitivity when Enkidu dies. He says, ãFor Enkidu, for my friend, i weep like a wailing woman, howling bitterly... an evil has risen up and robbed meä (tablet VIII, column ii, 2, 6). As a result of Enkiduâs death, Gilgamesh also shows that he is afraid of death. Gilgamesh denies the fact that he too will die one day. He goes on a quest searching for immortality, which ends up being pointless. Through these actions Gilgamesh shows that he is denying the fact that he is mortal. At one point he says, ãthe fate of mankind overtook him [Enkidu]... in fear of death I roam the wilderness... me, shall i not lie down like him, never again to moveä (tablet X, column ii, 3, 8, 13-14). These thoughts result from Gilgameshâs being part god.
Also Gilgamesh is thought of as a hero. All the townsfolk view Gilgamesh as being a wonderful man defeating the most horrific enemies. The townsfolk say, ãGilgamesh is the best formed of heroesä (tablet VI, column vi, 184). Gilgamesh starts as a cruel and arrogant character, however he emerges as a strong, kindhearted hero.
The other significant character in Gilgamesh is Enkidu. Enkidu starts out as a wild savage. He lives with the animals of the forest. He, ãfed with the gazelles on grass; with the wild animals he drank at waterholes; with hurrying animals his heart great light in the watersä (tablet I, column ii, 39-41). As the novel continues Enkidu is transformed into a man. He becomes very good friends with Gilgamesh. Enkidu is a very loyal man. He shows great loyalty to Gilgamesh, helping him fight against various animals. They fight Humbaba and the bull of Heaven together, defeating them both. Enkidu also is supportive of Gilgamesh. When Gilgamesh is fearing fighting Humbaba Enkidu says, ãhurry up, step up to him, do not let him go. Climb to the woods, [do not be afraid]ä (tablet IV, column v, 43-44). Enkidu is very loyal and encouraging, supporting Gilgamesh through various situations.
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