The Friendship Between Gilgamesh and Enkidu

People accumulate friendships because of all kinds of reasons. They may share similar beliefs, interests, or activities. Some people even tend to maintain friendships with a multitude of people that differ in all categories. Whether someone has plenty of friends or not, everyone will eventually develop that one friendship that holds an exceptional significance in their life. An example of a friendship that explores a deeply significant meaning is the friendship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu in The Epic Of Gilgamesh. In this essay I will be describing three reasons of importance as to why this friendship matters in the story. The most prominent fact that bears itself in the beginning of the story is the fact that Enkidu was made in Gilgamesh's image for the purpose of taming and distracting Gilgamesh. The second matter of significance is how both Gilgamesh and Enkidu become reliant on each other, which teaches Gilgamesh to truly care for someone other than himself. The third point of meaning in the relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu is how Gilgamesh was made aware of his humanity, which triggered him into searching for immortality where he learned an important life lesson from the god Utnapishtim.

"The bigger part of [Gilgamesh] was made in heaven/ and the smaller part somewhere on earth"(pg. 3 li. 42, 43) which means that Gilgamesh is a very powerful human being; he was born from not only a human, but also from a god as well. "She, Ninsun, fashioned his body's self"(pg. 3 li. 44). Gilgamesh rules over Uruk and his "tribe is invincible"(pg. 3 li. 48) which easily leads Gilgamesh into an arrogant disposition. The people of Uruk are very unhappy with him, and they complain that he "hoards the wives of other men for his own purpose"(pg. 3 li. 56, 57) and "keeps boys from fathers in the night and in the day"(pg. 3 li. 62, 63). Gilgamesh's love of his strength and greatness creates a greedy beast of a man who is incredibly self-absorbed and mindless about the concerns of the people of Uruk. When Anu hears these complaints from the people of Uruk, he orders Aruru to make, in Gilgamesh's image, a companion to tame and humble him:

'You created humans; create again in the

image of Gilgamesh and let this imitation be

as quick in heart and as strong in arm

so that these counterforces might first engage,

and then disengage, and finally let Uruk's children

live in peace.'(pg. 4 li. 71-76)

This is the first level of significance in the friendship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu. Enkidu was created to better Gilgamesh and teach him humbleness so that the people of Uruk would be satisfied. Much like how friendships between people can leave lasting impressions on the way one thinks and acts, Enkidu was meant to morph Gilgamesh's thoughts into a calmer, more thoughtful way of being.

After the initial meeting between the two, the bond that Enkidu makes with Gilgamesh continues to grow as they "[converse] of many plans and [fashion] a future together"(pg.22 li. 5, 6). This is important in Gilgamesh's transformation because he starts the beginning of a commitment to another human being. As their relationship develops and grows stronger, they become reliant on each other for advice as well as in battle. This becomes particularly clear when Gilgamesh asks Enkidu to help him defeat Humbaba. Gilgamesh starts to feel worried about fighting this awful creature and looks for comfort and reassurance in Enkidu:

Gilgamesh heard shouts from

Enkidu who said to his companion:

'Remember promises we made

in the city where we live. Recall

the courage and the force

we vowed to bring upon this mission.'

These words dispelled the fear felt

in his heart and Gilgamesh in

return