Theme Of Friendship In The Epic World Of Gilgamesh

873 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: The relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu

"I would rather walk with a friend in the dark, than alone in the light.” (Helen, Keller). In today 's generation friendship is key ,but is also hard to find. A friend that is willing to fight with someone by their side is definitely a friend to keep. In the Epic World Of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh was an inspiring friend that many people pray and ask for. Gilgamesh treated Enkidu as one of his own. Their relationship eventually forms into a brotherhood where both of the two men gain trust and brotherly love. In this essay Enkidu and his trustworthiness character will be explained first, then how the both of them became inspired friends Gilgamesh and . Lastly, how both characters “Gilgamesh” and “Enkidu” created a friendship and bond. Enkidu lived …show more content…

They began their friendship by becoming real brothers through the blessings of the Gods. Gilgamesh later wanted his legacy to be remembered, so sought an adventure by himself and his new brother to go on a journey to fight and kill Humbaba . In the story it writes “kill Humbaba and cut his Cedarlet there be rejoicing all over the land ,and I will erect a monument of the victory (?) before you!"The... words of Gilgamesh, her son,grieving, Queen Ninsun heard over and over” (Gilgamesh). Gilgamesh believed that this journey would help their legacy be remembered for ever. So they set forward and went on the journey. Continuously, once they began their journey Enkidu began to have dreams. One of his dreams was terrifying. He sought his own death. Futhermore, being a good friend Gilgamesh tells Enkidu not to worry. In the story it states “ Take my hand, my friend, we will go on together.Your heart should burn to do battle--pay no heed to death, do not lose heart!”(Gilgamesh). A good friend would will always keep their friend positive even though they doubt themselves.
In conclusion the relationships you have with your friends are key to life and are there to help you when your family isnt. Gilgamesh and Enkidu relationship is something that most people don 't typically understand. The person you usually disdain will be the person you will end up being there for you. Personalities clash and once you meet

Show More
Related

  • The Epic of Gilgamesh

    767 Words  | 2 Pages

    True love and immortality in life would be a dream come true to many people. To spend time with a special someone; the person one feels closest to; the so-called soul mate and to never have that high feeling of emotion end mentally and physically would greatly appeal to most people. But when death steps into the picture, even with all the pain and devastation, one starts to re-evaluate themselves and realizes the important things in life and puts it all into perspective. In The Epic of Gilgamesh, the main character, Gilgamesh, is a powerful, arrogant king and part god. Enkidu, Gilgamesh’s partner, is animal-like but later takes on more humanistic traits such as his contemplation’s of death. The friendship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu is a very powerful, loving friendship. Enkidu is Gilgamesh’s soul mate, not only acting as his friend but as a lover too. Enkidu’s presence in Gilgamesh’s life allows Gilgamesh to see what is truly good in life and to accept his mortality much easier.

    Read More

  • How Gilgamech's Quest Becomes a Failure

    1132 Words  | 3 Pages

    The epic of Gilgamesh (2014) is a long story that portrays the deeds of a great hero. Gilgamesh was portrayed as two-thirds god and one third human. He ruled in the Sumerian city of Uruk and was a great hero of the past, because only such heroes were regarded as divine after death. He quest was not successful. I will prove my point in this essay by focusing on the main metaphor, his relationship with Enkidu, his fame, the rejection of Ishtar, the death of Enkidu and the journey to find eternal life.

    Read More

  • Theme Of Friendship In Gilgamesh

    1477 Words  | 3 Pages

    Friendship seems to be such a simple occurrence in society, however it is so much more than that. Friendship is a complex relationship between two or more people based off of mutual interests, values, ideas, and the like. While the connotation of the word friendship seems to always express goodness, joy, and happiness at times friendship can work in the complete opposite of that. One friendship gone wrong can affect a person for the rest of their life whether they realize it or not. Enkidu and Gilgamesh, though, are the prime example of true friendship regardless of how they met. They stand by each other through all their adventures and battles and then when Enkidu becomes ill and dies, Gilgamesh is right there by his side like he has always

    Read More

  • How Did Gilgamesh Become A Better King

    826 Words  | 2 Pages

    Gilgamesh who has always gotten what he wanted could not save Enkidu from death. The death of Eknidu effected Gilgamesh and the way the character would evolve from the death of his friend. The friendship with Enkidu allows Gilgamesh to see the reality of death. When Enkidu dies then Gilgamesh becomes obsessed with his own mortality. “What my brother is now, that shall I be when I am dead.” (Gil. 31)

    Read More

  • Importance of Loyalty in the Epic of Gilgamesh

    575 Words  | 2 Pages

    The ancient Mesopotamian writing, The Epic of Gilgamesh, gives readers insight into the traditions and customs of the people who wrote it. Like all epics, The Epic of Gilgamesh is the story of a heroic national figure: this epic gives the story of the life of Gilgamesh from his birth as two-thirds god, one-third man to his death. Throughout the epic the importance of loyalty is addressed. In The Epic of Gilgamesh readers see that loyalty is the most important aspect of a Mesopotamian relationship and that there are always consequences for violating trust.

    Read More

  • Friendship in the Epic of Gilgamesh

    1058 Words  | 3 Pages

    In the epic of Gilgamesh the friendship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu is very complex and necessary. Their friendship brings animal, human, and god together. Gilgamesh is changed by his friendship with Enkidu. He becomes a better person and a better ruler because of Enkidu. Enkidu’s life is enriched because of his friendship with Gilgamesh. Enkidu was created to balance out Gilgamesh, and he accomplishes this goal. The two men are very close, and love each other deeply. Both Gilgamesh and Enkidu benefit from their friendship.

    Read More

  • Pursuit Of Eternal Life In The Epic Of Gilgamesh

    1330 Words  | 3 Pages

    The “Epic of Gilgamesh” is a historic story of the king of Uruk, Gilgamesh. The story portrays the short lived friendship of Gilgamesh and Enkidu. The story begins as Shamat the prostitute seduces Enkidu and convinces him to go to the city of Uruk and meet Gilgamesh. From that moment on, the two were very close. They planned a trip to the forest of cedars to defeat the monster known as Humbaba so that Gilgamesh could show his power to the citizens of Uruk. However, Enkidu tried vainly to dissuade Gilgamesh in going to the forest. Despite Enkidu’s plead, the two continued on their adventure to the forest where Humbaba lives. Once they arrived, they found the monster and killed him.

    Read More

  • The Epic of Gilgamesh

    1053 Words  | 3 Pages

    Perhaps one of the main reasons the Epic of Gilgamesh is so popular and has lasted such a long time, is because it offers insight into the human concerns of people four thousand years ago, many of which are still relevant today. Some of these human concerns found in the book that are still applicable today include: the fear and concerns people have in relation to death, overwhelming desires to be immortal, and the impact a friendship has on a person’s life. It does not take a great deal of insight into The Epic of Gilgamesh for a person to locate these themes in the story, and even less introspection to relate to them.

    Read More

  • The Friendship of Gilgamesh and Enkidu

    780 Words  | 2 Pages

    The Epic of Gilgamesh is a historic story of the king of Uruk, Gilgamesh. The story depicts the short lived friendship of Gilgamesh and Enkidu. The story begins as Shamat the harlot seduces Enkidu and convinces him to go to the city of Uruk and meet Gilgamesh. From that moment on, the two were very close. They planned a trip to the forest of cedars to defeat the monster known as Humbaba so that Gilgamesh could show his power to the citizens of Uruk. However, Enkidu tried “vainly to dissuade” (18) Gilgamesh in going to the forest. Despite Enkidu’s plead, the two continued on their voyage to the forest where Humbaba lives. Once they arrived, they found the monster and killed him.

    Read More

  • The Transformation of Gilgamesh in the Epic of Gilgamesh

    1766 Words  | 4 Pages

    In many literary works we see significant transitions in the hero's character as the story is developed. This is also true in the Epic of Gilgamesh with its hero, Gilgamesh. In this narrative poem, we get glimpses of who Gilgamesh is and what his purposes and goals are. We see Gilgamesh act in many different ways -- as an overbearing ruler resented by his people, a courageous and strong fighter, a deflated, depressed man, and finally as a man who seems content with what he's accomplished. Through all of these transitions, we see Gilgamesh's attitude toward life change. The goals he has for his own life alter dramatically, and it is in these goals that we see Gilgamesh's transition from being a shallow, ruthless ruler to being an introspective, content man.

    Read More

  • The Journey Of Gilgamesh As A Hero's Journey

    803 Words  | 2 Pages

    In Gilgamesh, he fights Humbaba with Enkidu, his best friend. Humbaba is the guardian of the Cedar Forest who was assigned by the god Enlil. Gilgamesh doesn't fight for the world, but he has his own reasons. In the text, it states, “Even if I fail I will have made a lasting name for myself’’ (181). In other words, Gilgamesh's motivation to slaughter Humbaba is not just to get rid of evil but to let his people remember him. Gilgamesh is being selfish because if he's dead, Uruk won't have a ruler, which means Uruk will be out of control. The choice Gilgamesh makes causes him not to care about Uruk but only himself. However, the encounter of Enkidu's death has turned Gilgamesh into another person. He couldn't confront the truth that Enkidu has died. Enkidu was more than a best friend to him, he was a brother whom he loved. Because of his love for Enkidu, Gilgamesh builds a statue so everyone in Uruk will remember him. This demonstrates Gilgamesh changing from selfish to selfless. This change is part of Gilgamesh's transformations towards becoming a hero. Gilgamesh changes as a result of Enkidu's death. According to the text, it states, “Gilgamesh interferes in the lives of his subjects beyond his right as king”(175). This proves that Gilgamesh was bothering and annoying the people of Uruk. Gilgamesh is going to become king soon and he shouldn’t disregard or interfere with his subject’s private life.

    Read More

  • Free Epic of Gilgamesh Essays: Character of Gilgamesh

    545 Words  | 2 Pages

    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, [you] will surpass all of them. a friend who knows battle understands fighting.

    Read More

  • Message of Love in the Epic of Gilgamesh

    806 Words  | 2 Pages

    Before the coming of Enkidu, Gilgamesh was a man of great power. A being for which there was no equal match, Gilgamesh boasted about his overwhelming glory and power. However, his arrogance was accompanied with an extensive abuse of power, which pushed the city of Uruk into a state of rage. Still Gilgamesh felt no despair; he lived to display to others his majestic power. The first sign of a sincere change in Gilgamesh arises as a result of the birth of Enkidu. From the beginning, a powerful link developed between man and woman. The wise Ninsun said to Gilgamesh,"You will love him as a woman and he will never forsake you". Gilgamesh had finally met his match, a friend that would serve as his life-long companion. Upon the seal of this great friendship, Gilgamesh began to change his selfish ways. Nevertheless, he shared with Enkidu the luxuries of kindness. Setting aside his great pride and power, Gilgamesh had opened a place in his heart, and in his sumptuous life, for his beloved brother.

    Read More

  • The Hero Of Gilgamesh And Joseph Campbell's Hero

    1158 Words  | 3 Pages

    Gilgamesh is an example of someone who had many flaws and faced many struggles but, in the end, changed his attitude and became a better person. In the beginning of Gilgamesh, he is described as doing whatever he wants and being juvenile in a way. For example, in the text it says, “he was their shepherd, yet powerful, superb, knowledgeable and expert, Gilgamesh would not leave young girls alone, the daughters of warriors, the brides of young men.” With his second half, Enkidu, they entered into the first step in becoming a hero according to Campbell, the separation, by going on an adventure. At this point in the story, Gilgamesh is very arrogant. While traveling to Cedar Forest, Gilgamesh tells Enkidu, “let me go in front of you, and your voice call out: ‘Go close, don’t be afraid!’ If I should fall, I should have won fame. People will say, Gilgamesh grappled in combat with ferocious Humbaba… ensure fame that will last forever.” Next is stage two, the initiation, of the Campbell’s hero journey. Gilgamesh undergoes a trail to begin his transformation, he must fight the Bull of Heaven. Gilgamesh’s supportive side is starting to show when he tells Enkidu that they will win if they fight together. After killing the Bull of Heaven, Gilgamesh’s confident attitude is shown once again. The next trial he faces is the death of Enkidu. He starts to show emotion when he says, “for you Enkidu, I, like your mother, your father, will weep on your plains… I will lay you to rest on a bed of loving care… and I myself will neglect my appearance after your death.” At this point his character has been greedy and then he showed his fear and supportive side. The last stage in the hero’s journey is the return. Enkidu’s death sent Gilgamesh on an adventure to fight death. From this adventure he learned his biggest lesson from Utnapishtim. He learns to appreciate life, and

    Read More

  • A Summary of the Epic of Gilgamesh

    849 Words  | 2 Pages

    The Epic of Gilgamesh is a moving tale of the friendship between Gilgamesh, the demigod king of Uruk, and the wild man Enkidu. Accepting ones own mortality is the overarching theme of the epic as Gilgamesh and Enkidu find their highest purpose in the pursuit of eternal life.

    Read More

More about Theme Of Friendship In The Epic World Of Gilgamesh

Open Document