Gilgamesh And Enkidu Friendship Analysis

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Gilgamesh and Enkidu had a deep friendship, that became a living bond. This living bond became so strong that as Enkidu lay dying it felt to Gilgamesh that he too was dying. Although they became brothers they did not start out that way. They met when Enkidu went to fight Gilgamesh to stop him from continuing the practice of jus primae noctis (latin for right of the first night). When the fight ended they were no longer enemies but friends. Friendship has a way of becoming more durable when new trials arise, and since Gilgamesh and Enkidu consistently flirted with death theirs grew quickly. Enkidu motivated Gilgamesh to do greater things, because of him Gilgamesh went on a quest to make a name for himself and succeed.The two knew that apart …show more content…
That strength which was beyond ones reach becomes attainable. This is what happens with Gilgamesh and Enkidu. Although Enkidu has faced many battles and wild beasts, he still loses all strength when he opened the gate to the forest. He pleads with Gilgamesh to give up the quest, but Gilgamesh refuses. Deciding instead to strengthen Enkidu with words of affirmation, “Gilgamesh answered him, 'Dear friend, do not speak like a coward….You, who are tried in wars and battles, hold close to me now and you will feel no fear of death; keep beside me and your weakness will pass, the trembling will leave your hand…. No, we will go down together into the heart of the forest. Let your courage be roused by the battle to come; forget death and follow me,…When two go together each will protect himself and shield his companion, and if they fall they leave an enduring name.’” Fear is a common feeling in life, one both Gilgamesh and Enkidu felt at different times as they went up against Humbaba. But no matter the intensity of the fear they always had the other to strengthen them, together they were strong enough to fight even the worst of
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