6.3 Character analysis of Gilgamesh and Enkidu
4 min read•july 31, 2024
Gilgamesh and Enkidu's characters evolve dramatically in the Epic of Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh transforms from a tyrannical ruler to a wise king, while Enkidu shifts from a wild man to a civilized being. Their becomes the catalyst for profound personal growth.
The epic explores themes of , friendship, and the quest for meaning. Enkidu's death forces Gilgamesh to confront his own mortality, leading to a journey of self-discovery. Ultimately, Gilgamesh learns that true immortality lies in leaving a lasting legacy.
Gilgamesh's Transformation
From Tyrannical Ruler to Wise King
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- Gilgamesh's initial characterization portrayed him as a tyrannical ruler who abused power and disregarded his subjects' well-being
- Ancient Mesopotamian culture embraced the concept of "divine right of kings" influenced Gilgamesh's early behavior and self-perception
- Superhuman strength and beauty attributed to divine parentage (two-thirds god, one-third human) contributed to his initial and sense of invincibility
- Pivotal moments in character development challenged his worldview
- Encounters with Enkidu
- Cedar Forest expedition
- Death of Enkidu
Quest for Immortality and Self-Reflection
- Journey for eternal life catalyzed self-reflection and personal growth
- Forced Gilgamesh to confront his own mortality and the limitations of his power
- Gained wisdom through his experiences
- Learned the value of human relationships (friendship with Enkidu)
- Accepted the inevitability of death (failed attempt to resurrect Enkidu)
- Recognized the importance of leaving a lasting legacy through good governance (rebuilding of Uruk's walls)
Gilgamesh's Final Portrayal
- Emerged as a wise and humble king
- Newfound appreciation for his role as a leader and protector of his people
- Shifted focus from personal glory to the welfare of his subjects
- Embraced the concept of immortality through deeds and legacy rather than physical longevity
Enkidu's Impact on Gilgamesh
Enkidu's Origin and Transformation
- Created by gods as a wild man to challenge Gilgamesh
- Transformed into a civilized being through encounter with Shamhat (temple prostitute)
- Initial rivalry with Gilgamesh culminated in epic wrestling match
- Served as a turning point in their relationship
- Marked the beginning of Gilgamesh's character development
Enkidu as Gilgamesh's Equal and Counterpart
- Balanced Gilgamesh's excesses and provided a moral compass
- Complementary strengths and weaknesses allowed them to overcome challenges together
- Gilgamesh's strategic thinking and Enkidu's raw strength
- Enkidu's connection to nature and Gilgamesh's knowledge of civilization
- Partnership enabled them to face formidable foes (Humbaba, Bull of Heaven)
Enkidu's Civilizing Influence
- Tempered Gilgamesh's tyrannical tendencies
- Fostered sense of compassion and responsibility in the king
- Impacted Gilgamesh's decision-making during joint adventures
- Advised caution in confrontation with Humbaba
- Supported Gilgamesh in slaying the Bull of Heaven
- Challenged Gilgamesh's perception of immortality and
- Set stage for Gilgamesh's later quest and personal transformation
Friendship and Loss in Gilgamesh
Evolution of Gilgamesh and Enkidu's Relationship
- Transformed from rivals to intimate friends
- Illustrated the power of deep friendship in ancient literature
- Homoerotic undertones reflected ancient Mesopotamian attitudes towards male bonding and sexuality
- Embodied concept of "other half" or "soul mate" in ancient Near Eastern mythology
Strength in Unity
- Demonstrated mutual dependence and loyalty throughout adventures
- Shared experiences, particularly facing danger and death, cemented their bond
- Fighting Humbaba in the Cedar Forest
- Confronting the Bull of Heaven
- Epic emphasized the strength found in unity and companionship
Theme of Loss and Its Impact
- Enkidu's death explored the theme of profound loss
- Served as a catalyst for Gilgamesh's grief and subsequent quest for meaning
- Gilgamesh's extreme reaction to Enkidu's death
- Refused to bury the body
- Wandered the wilderness in mourning
- Enkidu's enduring impact on Gilgamesh's character even after death
- Demonstrated friendship as a force transcending mortality
- Motivated Gilgamesh's search for immortality
Enkidu's Death and Immortality
Symbolism of Enkidu's Death
- Represented human mortality and inevitability of loss
- Contrasted Gilgamesh's initial belief in his own invincibility
- Shattered Gilgamesh's worldview and initiated existential crisis
- Led to obsessive quest for immortality
Divine Retribution and Consequences
- Enkidu's prolonged illness and death served as punishment from the gods
- Highlighted themes of divine retribution and consequences of hubris
- Reflected ancient Mesopotamian attitudes towards death and afterlife
- Belief in divine judgment
- Fear of the unknown afterlife (House of Dust)
Gilgamesh's Journey and Transformation
- Quest to find Utnapishtim symbolized metaphorical descent into underworld
- Mirrored Enkidu's physical death and Gilgamesh's psychological transformation
- Paralleled Enkidu's death with Gilgamesh's failed attempts to achieve immortality
- Loss of the plant of youth to the serpent
- Inability to stay awake for seven days
Legacy and Remembrance
- Gilgamesh ultimately realized immortality achieved through legacy and remembrance
- Renewed focus on kingship and recording of his epic tale
- Acceptance of mortality as part of the human condition
- Emphasis on living a meaningful life and leaving a lasting impact
Key Terms to Review (18)
Arrogance: Arrogance is an attitude of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner or presumptuous claims, often leading to a lack of respect for others. This trait can significantly impact relationships and perceptions, as it tends to alienate individuals rather than attract them. In narratives, characters exhibiting arrogance may believe they are inherently better than others, which can create conflict and drive their development throughout the story.
Companion: A companion is a close associate or friend who accompanies another individual, often providing support, loyalty, and camaraderie. In literature, companions often serve to enhance the development of the main character by reflecting their traits or helping them grow through shared experiences. The bond between companions can reveal deeper emotional connections and themes of friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice.
Demi-god: A demi-god is a being that is partly divine and partly human, often possessing extraordinary powers or abilities. In many mythologies, demi-gods serve as heroes who bridge the gap between mortals and gods, showcasing the complexities of human nature alongside divine traits. This concept plays a significant role in narratives that explore themes of heroism, mortality, and the quest for understanding one's place in the world.
Enkidu’s transition from wild to civilized: Enkidu’s transition from wild to civilized refers to the profound change that Enkidu undergoes as he moves from living among animals in the wilderness to adopting the behaviors and customs of human society. This transformation highlights themes of friendship, humanity, and the contrast between nature and civilization, particularly in relation to his relationship with Gilgamesh and their adventures together.
Foil: A foil is a character who contrasts with another character, often the protagonist, to highlight particular qualities and traits of that character. This literary device helps to deepen the reader's understanding of the main character by showcasing their strengths and weaknesses through comparison. In stories, foils can serve to emphasize critical aspects of personality, decision-making, and moral dilemmas faced by the central figure.
Friendship: Friendship is a deep bond characterized by mutual affection, trust, and support between individuals. In the context of epic literature, especially in the stories of Gilgamesh and Enkidu, friendship plays a crucial role in character development, plot progression, and the exploration of significant themes such as mortality, loyalty, and personal growth.
Gilgamesh’s journey towards self-awareness: Gilgamesh’s journey towards self-awareness is the process by which Gilgamesh, initially an arrogant and tyrannical king, evolves into a more introspective and compassionate individual. This transformation occurs through his experiences, especially in the wake of Enkidu's death, which forces him to confront his own mortality and the meaning of life. As he travels in search of immortality, he ultimately learns that self-awareness is about accepting human limitations and valuing friendships and relationships.
Hero: A hero is a central character in a narrative who embodies noble qualities and often faces challenges that require courage, strength, and moral integrity. Heroes can inspire others, undergo personal transformation, and play crucial roles in driving the plot and developing relationships with other characters.
Heroism: Heroism is the display of courage, bravery, and noble qualities, often seen in characters who undertake great challenges and exhibit self-sacrifice for a greater good. In literature, particularly in epics and sagas, heroism is a central theme that shapes narratives and character arcs, highlighting the journey and struggles of protagonists in their pursuit of honor and glory.
I will be a king who is not a tyrant: This phrase reflects the ideal of benevolent leadership, where a ruler possesses authority without abusing power. It emphasizes the importance of justice, fairness, and the well-being of the people over oppressive governance. This concept relates deeply to the characters of Gilgamesh and Enkidu, illustrating their journey towards understanding true kingship and the responsibilities that come with it.
Innocence: Innocence refers to a state of being free from guilt or moral wrong, often characterized by a lack of experience or knowledge of evil. In literature, it typically highlights the purity and naivety of a character, making their journey or downfall more poignant and tragic as they confront the realities of life. This theme of innocence is crucial as it sets the stage for transformation and growth, especially when characters face challenges that force them to confront harsh truths.
Killing Humbaba: Killing Humbaba refers to the pivotal moment in the Epic of Gilgamesh where Gilgamesh and Enkidu confront and defeat the guardian of the Cedar Forest, Humbaba. This act represents a significant turning point in their journey, showcasing themes of heroism, friendship, and the quest for fame. The slaying of Humbaba reflects Gilgamesh's growth from a self-centered ruler to a more mature character aware of the consequences of his actions.
Let us go, my friend, and face the wild together: This phrase expresses a spirit of adventure and camaraderie, emphasizing the bond between individuals as they confront challenges and explore the unknown. It signifies a pivotal moment in the relationship between two characters, highlighting themes of friendship, bravery, and the quest for meaning in life.
Mortality: Mortality refers to the state of being subject to death, encompassing the inevitability of human demise and the existential considerations that arise from this reality. It is a central theme in literature, particularly in epics and sagas, as it influences characters' motivations, shapes their relationships, and provides a deeper understanding of the human experience. In stories, mortality prompts reflections on legacy, the pursuit of immortality, and the value of life and friendship.
Representative of humanity: A representative of humanity embodies the qualities, struggles, and experiences that define the human condition. This concept emphasizes shared emotions, moral dilemmas, and aspirations, allowing characters to connect with audiences on a deeper level. Such representatives reflect universal themes that resonate with people's lives, illustrating the complexities of existence and the journey toward self-discovery.
Symbolism: Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, allowing deeper meaning and emotional resonance within a narrative. It enriches storytelling by connecting tangible objects or events with abstract concepts, influencing themes such as honor, fate, and divine intervention.
The journey to the cedar forest: The journey to the cedar forest is a pivotal adventure in the Epic of Gilgamesh where Gilgamesh and his companion Enkidu set out to confront the guardian Humbaba and obtain valuable cedar wood. This quest represents a significant moment in their friendship and character development, as they face both external challenges and internal conflicts that shape their identities.
Wildness: Wildness refers to the untamed, raw, and primal aspects of nature and human behavior. It often embodies a lack of restraint, the instinctual drive for freedom, and a connection to the natural world. This concept plays a significant role in character development and relationships, particularly in how characters confront their own inner wildness or that of others.