Gilgamesh: A Story of Motivation Through Friendship In the story “Gilgamesh”, multiple scribes describe a tale in Uruk of how an arrogant king changes after experiencing moments of great proportion through friendship. Gilgamesh, a young demigod king, is abusing his right of power throughout his kingdom and is displeasing not only the citizens, but the gods as well. To tame Gilgamesh, the gods create companion Enkidu as a form of checks and balances, as he is equal in body and mind. Gilgamesh becomes even more prideful through their adventures, until his reality falls apart once the gods kill Enkidu as punishment for disrespect. A heartbroken Gilgamesh sets out on a journey to learn the gods’ secrets and ultimately gain immortality after questioning
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Enkidu, using his influence, tries to snap him out of undermining Humbaba’s power, as the success of the mission will not only bring a blessing from the god Shamash but also a curse from Enlil if Humbaba sounds the alarm. Enkidu wants to protect his friend from harm, but is clear Gilgamesh is letting his strength go to his head, saying in lines 25 through 27: “Why, my friend, do you raise such unworthy objections? How you pule, you make me ill…Now my friend this has dragged on long enough.” Gilgamesh heeds Enkidu’s words and kills Humbaba, however the monster’s last words lay a curse on Enkidu. The battle and exchange of words between the two companions shows how Gilgamesh has yet to truly change, although there is progress.
Enkidu’s influence over Gilgamesh is apparent at this point, even if Gilgamesh’s pride and arrogance remains. Despite this, the repercussions from the king of Uruk’s actions continue to stir up trouble when Gilgamesh spurns Ishtar. In this instance, Enkidu is not present to keep Gilgamesh in line, and after the victory in the Cedar Forest, Gilgamesh forgets his place as a demigod, spurning Ishtar for the treatment of her past lovers. The public humiliation she is subjected to creates a tipping point, and the gods believe he must pay for the …show more content…
He goes through the stages of grief most people experience, as Gilgamesh wonders why it was not him who fell ill and died. In Tablet IX, he is weeping. “Shall I not die too? Am I not like Enkidu? Oh woe has entered my vitals! I have grown afraid of death, so I roam the steppe. (3-5)” Gilgamesh changes in appearance soon after, reverting to a form similar to Enkidu. He grows out his hair and begins to wear animal skins, as though he is trying to hold on to his friend through making elements of Enkidu remain a constant in his life. Eventually Gilgamesh decides to go to the twin peaks of Mashum, where he will search for
Enkidu, using his influence, tries to snap him out of undermining Humbaba’s power, as the success of the mission will not only bring a blessing from the god Shamash but also a curse from Enlil if Humbaba sounds the alarm. Enkidu wants to protect his friend from harm, but is clear Gilgamesh is letting his strength go to his head, saying in lines 25 through 27: “Why, my friend, do you raise such unworthy objections? How you pule, you make me ill…Now my friend this has dragged on long enough.” Gilgamesh heeds Enkidu’s words and kills Humbaba, however the monster’s last words lay a curse on Enkidu. The battle and exchange of words between the two companions shows how Gilgamesh has yet to truly change, although there is progress.
Enkidu’s influence over Gilgamesh is apparent at this point, even if Gilgamesh’s pride and arrogance remains. Despite this, the repercussions from the king of Uruk’s actions continue to stir up trouble when Gilgamesh spurns Ishtar. In this instance, Enkidu is not present to keep Gilgamesh in line, and after the victory in the Cedar Forest, Gilgamesh forgets his place as a demigod, spurning Ishtar for the treatment of her past lovers. The public humiliation she is subjected to creates a tipping point, and the gods believe he must pay for the …show more content…
He goes through the stages of grief most people experience, as Gilgamesh wonders why it was not him who fell ill and died. In Tablet IX, he is weeping. “Shall I not die too? Am I not like Enkidu? Oh woe has entered my vitals! I have grown afraid of death, so I roam the steppe. (3-5)” Gilgamesh changes in appearance soon after, reverting to a form similar to Enkidu. He grows out his hair and begins to wear animal skins, as though he is trying to hold on to his friend through making elements of Enkidu remain a constant in his life. Eventually Gilgamesh decides to go to the twin peaks of Mashum, where he will search for