Epic of Gilgamesh: The Imagery Within Imagery greatly influences readers’ understanding of literary works. Instead of the pages of a book containing just words, they contain a mental picture within those words. Imagery is the color of the story. “The Battle with Humbaba”, an excerpt from The Epic of Gilgamesh, is one such colorful story. Within the epic, the depictions of Gilgamesh, Enkidu, and Humbaba are unveiled by imagery. In “The Battle with Humbaba”, Gilgamesh, the main hero of the epic, is presented as a strong mortal man. In this section of the epic, Gilgamesh comes face-to-face with Humbaba, the guardian of the forest. “Then Gilgamesh called to Shamash and his tears were flowing” (Sandars 17). This piece of imagery provides an image
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Enkidu could be seen as the support for Gilgamesh. He is the voice of reason. When Gilgamesh decides that he will slay the guardian of the forest, Enkidu tries to dissuade him by saying, “’O my lord, you do not know this monster and that is the reason you are not afraid. I who know him, I am terrified’” (Sandars 16). After reading this line, readers can imagine him as being that one friend that warns when a decision is not good. His tone of voice can almost be heard when he speaks to Gilgamesh. He has a voice of warning and compassion. Enkidu’s voice further provides an image of him when Gilgamesh is scared out of his wits in Humbaba’s presence. When Gilgamesh’s courage falters, Enkidu calls out, “’O Gilgamesh, remember now your boasts in Uruk. Forward, attack, son of Uruk, there is nothing to fear’” (Sandars 17). Enkidu is not only the voice of warning, but also the voice of confidence for Gilgamesh. He is, in a way, Gilgamesh’s cheerleader; not the high school kind. When Enkidu sees that Gilgamesh is in trouble, he aids him in finding his courage by reminding him of who he is. In doing so, Enkidu has a solemn tone of voice that can be heard from one who truly cares for the well-being of their …show more content…
Enkidu describes Humbaba to Gilgamesh, saying, “’His teeth are dragon’s fangs, is countenance is like a lion, his charge is the rushing of the flood, with his look he crushes alike the trees of the forest and reeds in the swamp’” (Sandars 16). This imagery provides a picture of a monster with large, sharp teeth, a lion’s mane, and an immense amount of power. Regardless of all his fearsome features, Gilgamesh battles with him. Shamash provides Gilgamesh with some help by summoning “…the great wind, the north wind, the whirlwind, the storm and the icy wind, the tempest and the scorching win; they came like dragons,…The eight winds rose up against Humbaba…” (Sandars 17). Readers are given an image of these powerful winds striking Humbaba with incredible force and holding him still, which allows Gilgamesh to kill him more easily. Humbaba, in this situation, could be compared to a toddler standing in winds at speeds of 50 miles per hour; he would not be able to move very well. This comparison and imagery contribute to the image of a fearsome monster brought down by
Enkidu could be seen as the support for Gilgamesh. He is the voice of reason. When Gilgamesh decides that he will slay the guardian of the forest, Enkidu tries to dissuade him by saying, “’O my lord, you do not know this monster and that is the reason you are not afraid. I who know him, I am terrified’” (Sandars 16). After reading this line, readers can imagine him as being that one friend that warns when a decision is not good. His tone of voice can almost be heard when he speaks to Gilgamesh. He has a voice of warning and compassion. Enkidu’s voice further provides an image of him when Gilgamesh is scared out of his wits in Humbaba’s presence. When Gilgamesh’s courage falters, Enkidu calls out, “’O Gilgamesh, remember now your boasts in Uruk. Forward, attack, son of Uruk, there is nothing to fear’” (Sandars 17). Enkidu is not only the voice of warning, but also the voice of confidence for Gilgamesh. He is, in a way, Gilgamesh’s cheerleader; not the high school kind. When Enkidu sees that Gilgamesh is in trouble, he aids him in finding his courage by reminding him of who he is. In doing so, Enkidu has a solemn tone of voice that can be heard from one who truly cares for the well-being of their …show more content…
Enkidu describes Humbaba to Gilgamesh, saying, “’His teeth are dragon’s fangs, is countenance is like a lion, his charge is the rushing of the flood, with his look he crushes alike the trees of the forest and reeds in the swamp’” (Sandars 16). This imagery provides a picture of a monster with large, sharp teeth, a lion’s mane, and an immense amount of power. Regardless of all his fearsome features, Gilgamesh battles with him. Shamash provides Gilgamesh with some help by summoning “…the great wind, the north wind, the whirlwind, the storm and the icy wind, the tempest and the scorching win; they came like dragons,…The eight winds rose up against Humbaba…” (Sandars 17). Readers are given an image of these powerful winds striking Humbaba with incredible force and holding him still, which allows Gilgamesh to kill him more easily. Humbaba, in this situation, could be compared to a toddler standing in winds at speeds of 50 miles per hour; he would not be able to move very well. This comparison and imagery contribute to the image of a fearsome monster brought down by