The Change of Gilgamesh

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The Change of Gilgamesh
The Epic of Gilgamesh engraved on ancient tablets around 1200 B.C. in ancient Mesopotamia who is about a King is born two-thirds god and one-third human. The main character is Gilgamesh who is known to be extremely strong and incredibly attractive, but also conceited, and greedy. In the beginning of the book one realizes that Gilgamesh is an arrogant ruthless person; however certain events take place to show that he is transformed.
Gilgamesh exploits his rights as king. He has sexual intercourse with the virgins of his town and acts as though he is a god. “Gilgamesh does not leave a girl to her betrothed” (76). Having power his entire life, Gilgamesh has evidently received whatever he wants. He has never had to worry about getting into trouble or losing power. “There is no rival who can raise his weapon against him” (76). By acting out and sleeping with other women an angry crowd starts to form. However this is not a democracy, but rather an absolute monarchy, which is where the monarch (king) rules unhindered, basically without any laws, constitution or legally organized opposition. All the people can do is pray.
The fist sign of a change in Gilgamesh is when he meets Enkidu. Gilgamesh overhears rumors of a wild man who lives with animals so he sends out a prostitute to cultivate him. The woman shows the wild man Enkidu, the ways of civilization by sleeping with him. Gilgamesh hears of this and goes to meet him. The wise Ninsun said to Gilgamesh, “You will love him as a woman and he will never forsake you" (80). Gilgamesh had finally met his match, a friend that would serve as his life-long companion. From the seal of this friendship, Gilgamesh starts to change his narcissistic habits. He united Enkidu wi...

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...ilgamesh appears to be selfish by misusing his powers and gifts for his own earthly pleasure. However through his companionship with Enkidu, Gilgamesh starts to realize his incapability’s and need for his friend. It is not until the death of Enkidu that Gilgamesh realizes that he is not immortal and will have to face death one day. Gilgamesh goes through many changes, from being a ruthless self-centered king, to a loving companion, then finally to a lonely grieving person with fear of approaching death. It goes to show that no matter how powerful a person is death is inevitable and you can’t prevent it.

Works Cited

Melina, Remy. "What Are the Different Types of Governments?" LiveScience. TechMedia Network, 14 Feb. 2011. Web. 09 Feb. 2014.
Damrosch, David. "The Epic of Gilgamesh." The Longman Anthology of World Literature. New York: Longman, 2004. 71-113. Print.

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