Before Adam and Eve, Batman and Robin, and Mario and Luigi, there came Gilgamesh and Enkidu. In the ancient land of Uruk in 2600 B.C., the royal Gilgamesh was united with the beast-like Enkidu. As both creations seemed similar in physical demeanor, their actions and cognitions greatly differed. Despite their differences, they became compliments of each other, creating a stronger force as a whole, and embarked on journeys that would carry their legacy as heroes to this very day.
Gilgamesh without Enkidu and vise versa is like an I-pod without any songs or videos. Althoug Gilgamesh was a powerful king and extremely successful before he was united with Enkidu, he still had flawed attributes. Enkidu, the creation of the gods, was a success in his own sense, as he was able to survive among beast. The gods of this ancient city saw Gilgamesh as too powerful and created Enkidu this imitation as quick in heart and as strong in arm so he could compliment Gilgamesh (Jackson 4). When first meeting, the two fight; however, seeing that no one will ever win, they decide to stop. As one dissects the heros journey, this is where Gilgamesh meets his mentor, Enkidu. Although intended to be equals of each other, Enkidu seems a lot more knowledgeable of himself and the environment around him, which becomes clearly evident as they cross their first threshold in defeating Humbaba. Gilgamesh beings to doubts himself in this action because of a dream he had, and as a mentor Enkidu says to him Shamash now approves of this attack upon Humbaba (Jackson 33). In their time they were both considered heroes, but looking at it from todays definition of a heros journey, Gilgamesh would be the hero who was guided by his mentor Enkidu. Enkidu acted as the driving force for Gilgamesh; he was Gilgameshs superego that led him to all his successes.
Being complete strangers before meeting, Gilgamesh and Enkidu were able to mold their personalities and beliefs around each other, changing each other in the process. Before Gilgamesh meets Enkidu he is known as the man who plays with the wives of the men (Jackson 18). Enkidu introduces a more compassionate side to Gilgamesh, for after their unification, it seems as if Gilgamesh has begun to give women more respect and discontinues taking the privilege of first night. On the other hand, it is Gilgamesh that humanizes Enkidu, as he shows him the wonders that men can experience. In the battle against Humbaba, Enkidu demonstrates the importance of confidence and perseverance to Gilgamesh, who almost decided to bail out last minute. It wasnt until Enkidu died that Gilgamesh began to appreciate what his brother had done for him. Gilgamesh became a more compassionate human as he honored his friend, mentor, and companion, as he and the aged men and woman of Uruk mourned after Enkidus death (Jackson 53). Gilgamesh was depressed to see someone he had grown so close to, taken away so easily. He angrily protested to the gods why create a life and take it away so quickly (Jackson 55). Enkidus death brought so much grief to the life of Gilgamesh; he felt it was his destiny to live forever. However, it was Enkidu who told him that his destiny is already pre determined and he needs to accept his mortality and live with his pains. Seeing the truth behind Enkidus words of wisdom, Gilgamesh eventually realized that life was meant to have a beginning and an end and accepted his fate.
Looking at The Epic of Gilgamesh today, we see Gilgamesh, the hero, transforms as a character due to his encounters with the divine creation, his mentor, Enkidu. If not for Enkidu, Gilgamesh would be known today as a king who raped women and had little support in his state. Gilgamesh became a nobler and respected ruler as a result of the journeys he embarked on with Enkidu. Gilgamesh was not only a hero in his own era, but a legend in ours. Although Gilgamesh eventually died because he had failed to obtain the plant of eternal life, his story did not for heroes are always remembered, but legends never die.
Already have an account? Log In Now
3684