What Is The Relationship In The Epic Of Gilgamesh

In the story of Gilgamesh adapted by Stephen Mitchell, the main character of Gilgamesh grows throughout the plot as a character, gaining understanding and awareness, as a result of his friendship with Enkidu. In the beginning of the story, Gilgamesh is described with such respect and greatness, however, in reality, he was actually fear by most. Gilgamesh, being two-thirds god, was seen as a divine creature, superior to that of the subjects he ruled. Gilgamesh, a very self-involved ruler has, “the city is in his possession, he struts through it, head held high, trampling citizens like a wild bull”(73). The people of Uruk complained to the gods about Gilgamesh’s tyrannical behavior, saying, “splendid as he is noble as he is- he has exceeded all bounds. …show more content…
Hearing these cries, the gods create Enkidu to become Gilgamesh’s companion and act as a balancing force, in hopes that peace will be restored in Uruk. Enkidu, after being abandoned by the animals for having sexual relations with Shamhat, is led to the city of Uruk, where he meets Gilgamesh. Enkidu and Gilgamesh challenge each other in a fight in order to establish themselves as superior in strength. However, the fight ultimately ends in a draw with Enkidu stating, “Gilgamesh, you are unique among humans. Your mother, the goddess Ninsun, made you stronger and braver than any mortal, and rightly has Enlil granted you kingship, since you are destined to rule over men. They embraced and