What Does Gilgamesh Mean To Be Human

Modern day readers can take away a lot from reading The Epic of Gilgamesh. This story shows what it really means to be human. This piece of history follows Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk and his journey around his newfound best friend, Enkidu and how Gilgamesh searches for immortality. They “placed these tablets on the strong walls of Uruk so that [Gilgamesh’s] people could gain wisdom and remember him,” (203).

The Epic of Gilgamesh teaches lessons still to people today, for example, Gilgamesh was a mean man that slept around with women on their wedding nights. But when he met Enkidu everything changed, he became a better person. Together they learned that love is a motivating force. After Enkidu’s tragic and painful death Gilgamesh searches for immortality. But he learns the truth about death- everyone dies eventually. But learns that after humans die humanity still lives on, “fame and glory will give you life to your name even after your death,” (181) This explains why Gilgamesh went off looking to become a hero for his little town of Uruk.

Before Gilgamesh met Enkidu he had no empathy for anyone because he saw no one as his equal or superior. He was always self centered and that’s why he fought Humbaba. Enkidu helped Gilgamesh become a better leader. He tells Gilgamesh how it is, “Inactivity has turned [Gilgamesh] into a weakling!” (180) Enkidu also encourages to continue fighting, “my friend remember the words you spoke to the people of Uruk! Remember why we are fighting,” (186). Enkidu reassures his friend that he is going to always encourage him and this is how he knows the true gift of friendship. Gilgamesh realizes he has “met his match,” (180). Gilgamesh never would’ve realized he was abusing his power unless someone was to challenge him, and that is exactly what Enkidu did and he became his equal that Gilgamesh could learn