Pride In The Epic Of Gilgamesh

In The Epic of Gilgamesh it was very evident that the main character struggles with a realization of the inevitability of death and his forced to reflect on his own life. This character goes through a time of self realization that takes place causes him to consider his legacy. This does not take place without a struggle that is faced by many people in similar circumstances. There is a certain amount of pride that comes with accomplishments, and Gilgamesh is definitely proud of his accomplishments. Not only does he have many achievements, he was given a position by the gods. The responsibilities that come along with these accolades are something that everyone has problems handling even today. Gilgamesh experiences the old adage of pride …show more content…
These two men become very good friends. They set out on a journey seeking more fame. Gilgamesh corrupts the man that was sent by the gods to humble him. In this case pride wins and breeds more pride. Gilgamesh and Enkidu take out on a journey to garner even more fame. They set out to the cedar forest and slay the giant Humbaba. Gilgamesh gets exactly the product he sets out for. He gets recognized by Ishtar, the goddess of love and warfare, but she also has a reputation that Gilgamesh does not desire. She is enraged and sends the Bull of Heaven on the two men. There defeat of the Bull causes the god’s to meet to avoid the two men causing any further disaster. The God’s decide that one of the two men must die. This is where the pride of Gilgamesh is brought to a crashing halt. When the God’s decide that it is Enkidu that must die this has the effect that they initially sought. Part of Gilgamesh died with Enkidu. The relationship with Enkidu was more than external; Enkidu was Gilgamesh’s internal humanity. He sees that humanity in himself when Enkidu dies. Gilgamesh instantly evolves here to a man that is desperate for immortality. He is witness to his immortality being ripped away from him. In many ways this experience befalls all that hold their pride over others. His pride wins the battle of the two opposite men and this pride brings a fall to both