Enkidu's Change In The Epic Of Gilgamesh

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The Epic of Gilgamesh is an entertaining epic poem that gives insight into the ancient Sumerian culture. The hero of the text is Gilgamesh, king of Uruk an arrogant and flawless ruler. When his friend Enkidu dies, Gilgamesh decides to go on a quest to find the secret of immortality. The Epic of Gilgamesh shows the concerns of the Sumerian people regarding matters of life and death. The poem also demonstrates the importance of friendship. Before he meets Enkidu, Gilgamesh is a cruel king who oppresses his people. When Enkidu joins him as a companion, Gilgamesh changes and becomes friendly rather than vicious. Gilgamesh’s change is caused by the influence of his friendship with Enkidu.
At the start of the epic, Gilgamesh is a powerful but cruel …show more content…
Gilgamesh changes when he meets Enkidu and he goes through further change when Enkidu dies. Gilgamesh sets off with Enkidu to slay the beast Humbaba hoping to gain fame. The other side of Gilgamesh begins to surface from this event, instead of a fearless and oppressive ruler that he was describe as, we can see Gilgamesh in fear trying to seeks for guidance. Surprisingly, Gilgamesh begins to face despair during his journey to battle Humbaba. Gilgamesh begins to make offerings to Shamash for help. Several dreams bring Gilgamesh doubts but with the reassurance from Enkidu, he is able to overcome the distress and defeat the demon Humbaba. Enkidu is important to Gilgamesh because he forces him to see the reality of his own vanity. Once Gilgamesh realizes what Enkidu is saying he then embarks on a new quest to satisfy in alter ego, his …show more content…
He started to wonder if he is better than her because he has abandoned his old ways. Gilgamesh really hasn't changed at all. He is still filled with his 'ego-consciousness', just in a different form. As he goes on ridiculing Ishtar, his self-ego grows even more; and once again will be punished for his actions. The death of Enkidu comes about after he and Gilgamesh have killed the Bull of Heaven. The gods decide that they must be punished for the act, so they cause Enkidu to have a sickness that leads to his death. Gilgamesh’s reaction to his friend’s death shows how much he loves him. Gilgamesh covers Enkidu’s face with a veil, “as one veils the bride” (The Epic of Gilgamesh 95). He then rages “like a lioness robbed of her whelps” (The Epic of Gilgamesh 95). Thus, Gilgamesh responds the way a husband does when his wife dies or a mother does when her children die. Enkidu’s death causes Gilgamesh to think about his own morality. His quest to find immortality increases his wisdom. Despite his grief, Gilgamesh has memories of the good times that he had with his friend. Although Enkidu’s death has brought Gilgamesh sadness, it has also helped him to become a better person. Before he met Enkidu, he was “essentially alone in the world” (Freeman 37). His lack of a friend influenced him to behave poorly as a king.
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