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Essay Xstacy- papers, essays, research, and contests we got it all. Become a Campus Rep || Contests | Free Gifts Sample of Work Copyright by David Schuman of Essay Xstacy. All rights reserved. By Ari Berman The Epic of Gilgamesh The Epic of Gilgamesh is the story of a superhuman who is almost a God who originally engages in a power struggle with another superhuman but the relationship eventually evolves into one of friendship.
The relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu is one that subtly converts itself from hostility to friendship through experiences that help to forge a strong alliance between a God and a human. The following paper, will explore the dynamics of this interesting relationship between a mortal and an immortal. Over the ancient city of Erech there ruled a mighty prince who was two thirds god and man- third man, whose name was Gilgamesh. Of all the heroes, he was the greatest. But he was a lusty man, and caused considerable worry to local fathers and mothers and husbands because he would carry off any woman who took his fancy. So the inhabitants of the city complained to the gods and begged them to create a man who would fight with Gilgamesh, so that he would leave Erech in peace.
The gods created a weird creature, Enkidu, whose body was all covered with hair. He took up his abode in the desert just beyond the city, and became a close friend of the beasts. He was always saving them from the traps set by hunters, but his strength was so great that it would have taken an army to conquer him. Then Gilgamesh suggested a much simpler expedient: he said that they should send a gorgeous harlot to Enkidu, let her remove her robe, and then see what would result.
The harlot went out and took her post by the well. When Enkidu approached to draw water, she let her garment fall off her shoulders down to her waist. The sight of her exquisite breasts roused such a passion in Enkidu that he lay with her then and there. When it was over, however, and he tried to return to his flock, none of the beasts would have anything to do with him, for he had lost his innocence. So he went back to the harlot and told her he had no one but her.
The harlot invited him to come into the city and discover the great Gilgamesh. Thus the mighty strong man was led into Erech meekly, by a woman. Meanwhile, back in the palace, Gilgamesh had a terrible dream that a mighty man had come. At first the man had overpowered him, but in the end, Gilgamesh had laid him at his feet.
His mother, Nissan, reassured her son that the dream was a good omen. Enkidu at this point, decided to become the friend of Gilgamesh. The friendship of Enkidu and Gilgamesh was forged by the realization that they had common interests and common goals. The fact that Gilgamesh was almost a God and Enkidu was a mortal creature, became less and less relevant as they realized that by working together, they could accomplish more than if they engaged in a power struggle. Enkidu was invited to live in the palace and was treated royally.
Sometime later, however, he, too, had a dream. A mysterious creature with claws like an eagle had carried him off above the clouds and thrown him into the underworld. When day broke he rushed to tell Gilgamesh. The latter made a special sacrifice to the god, Shamash, filling a pot made of jet with honey and a lapis- lazuli pot with butter. So the god appeared to Gilgamesh and told him he must fight Khumbaba the Strong. He was king of Cedar Mountain.
Gilgamesh was ready to set out on the expedition at once, but his mother and the inhabitants of Erech tried to restrain him, pointing out all the perils of such a trip. Even Enkidu was not at all anxious to go along. But Gilgamesh refused to listen to any advice and set out for Cedar Mountain. After a lengthy journey, the heroes arrived at the domain of Khumbaba. The forest of cedar was thick and dark. Again Enkidu tried to persuade Gilgamesh not to go in, but the prince paid no attention.
In the forest was a sanctuary of Ishtar, and many paths led off in all directions to places of secret delight. But Gilgamesh took the path which led to the enclosure of Khumbaba s palace. The hero called aloud a challenge to the savage guardian of the forest, but there was no answer. He made an offering to Shamash and then prepared to go to battle. The god must have heard him, for he let loose the elements against Khumbaba, and Khumbaba was slain by Gilgamesh. The hero purified himself after his incredible feat and put his crown on again.
As he was passing by the precinct of the goddess of sexual delight, she spoke to him, begging him to be her lover. But Gilgamesh repulsed her, knowing well how many of her lovers ended up dead when she no longer was interested in them. The goddess was incensed that he should dare to refuse her and begged her father Anu to punish him. A mad bull attacked the hero, but just as it was about to overthrow him, Enkidu grabbed the beast by the tail and tore it to pieces. By the end of the epic, Enkidu became very ill and ended up dying. Enkidu s death frightened Gilgamesh and he begged the gods for immortality.
Gilgamesh found Uta-Napishtim to whom the gods had granted immortality. He, too, tried to reason with Gilgamesh. Utanapishtim told him the following: We do not make houses that last forever, nor does the river go on rising. The fates determine when life and death will come. Then Utanapishtim suggested that if Gilgamesh wanted to taste immortality, he should not go to sleep for six days and seven nights. Unfortunately, Gilgamesh was unsuccessful and his search for immortality came to a crashing halt.
In conclusion, the Epic of Gilgamesh is the story of a genuine friendship between a God and a mortal creature. Gilgamesh and Enkidu became friends after realizing that their similarities outweighed their differences. Their alliance became so strong that they ended up fighting and dying together. The Epic of Gilgamesh teaches that the search for immortality has been an eternal one.
Gilgamesh wants to be immortal and he is crushed when he realizes that he will die the same way that his best friend, Enkidu died. In essence, Enkidu s death is the reminder to Gilgamesh that friendship is the most important aspect of life since life is so short to begin with. Enkidu s death brings an end to one of the most remarkable alliances in the annals of Western literature or any literature for that matter. Corporate Advertising | Investors| Great Links | Contact Us | Guestbook | Welcome Page |Employment Opp. | FAQ| |Disclaimer | Questions, Comments? ? ? Email us at
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