Enkidu’s Vulnerability in The Epic of Gilgamesh The Epic of Gilgamesh has multiple references to the relationship between sex and society within its setting. The occurrences of sex within Uruk are demonstrated in different ways to illustrate its use as a tool and the power it can have. The topic of sex within The Epic of Gilgamesh gain more gravity as the book advances. Specifically speaking, the book focuses Enkidu’s vulnerability after his sexual encounter with the harlot that was sent by Gilgamesh.
Enkidu’s first time having sex civilized him. When having sex with the harlot, Enkidu was brought closer to humans. In other words, when Enkidu loses his virginity, he gains wisdom. However, what Enkidu will later on learn is that his newfound wisdom will also leave him vulnerable. Now that Enkidu is more relatable to humans, he …show more content…
At first, Enkidu is crying because he’ll never get to see Gilgamesh again (89). Then Enkidu begins to get irrational by cursing everything in his sight. Enkidu begins to fuss as the wooden gate - as if the wooden gate is the source of all of his problems (90). Once Enkidu unleashes on the wooden gate, his anger begins a chain of evets. After Enkidu curses the Sun God and the Trapper (90), he finalizes his anger on the harlot that gave him the power to act in this manner. Enkidu promises the harlot a dreadful destiny. According to Enkidu, had it not been for her, he would still be enjoying the wilderness as he once knew it, “…for I too once in the wilderness with my wife had all the treasure I wished” (91). When Shamash hears the words of Enkidu, Shamash questions Enkidu’s actions. Shamash enlightens Enkidu on how is encounter with the harlot introduced him to all the things, instances, and people that have made Enkidu’s life. Having sex with the harlot is what gave life Enkidu’s internal growth. Without the harlot, Enkidu would have made this journey through Uruk and met
Enkidu’s first time having sex civilized him. When having sex with the harlot, Enkidu was brought closer to humans. In other words, when Enkidu loses his virginity, he gains wisdom. However, what Enkidu will later on learn is that his newfound wisdom will also leave him vulnerable. Now that Enkidu is more relatable to humans, he …show more content…
At first, Enkidu is crying because he’ll never get to see Gilgamesh again (89). Then Enkidu begins to get irrational by cursing everything in his sight. Enkidu begins to fuss as the wooden gate - as if the wooden gate is the source of all of his problems (90). Once Enkidu unleashes on the wooden gate, his anger begins a chain of evets. After Enkidu curses the Sun God and the Trapper (90), he finalizes his anger on the harlot that gave him the power to act in this manner. Enkidu promises the harlot a dreadful destiny. According to Enkidu, had it not been for her, he would still be enjoying the wilderness as he once knew it, “…for I too once in the wilderness with my wife had all the treasure I wished” (91). When Shamash hears the words of Enkidu, Shamash questions Enkidu’s actions. Shamash enlightens Enkidu on how is encounter with the harlot introduced him to all the things, instances, and people that have made Enkidu’s life. Having sex with the harlot is what gave life Enkidu’s internal growth. Without the harlot, Enkidu would have made this journey through Uruk and met