In both works of the Iliad and the Epic of Gilgamesh the theme for both would be friendship. The loss of friendship represented a motivating force and the importance for a happy life in both stories. Achilles and Gilgamesh both lost their friend Patroclus and Enkidu. Both heroes lost their soul mate that they were victims of despair. Achilles pride and indignation of his actions towards of Agamemnon not allowing him to join his follow comrades on the battlefield by Agamemnon broke his trust with Achilles and took what was his, Brises. Achilles values friendship as to trust as he withdraws himself from the Achaean forces and showed Agamemnon his immaturity by letting the Argive Army kill his own friend Patroclus, while Gilgamesh was a victim
