Epic of Gilgamesh Enkidu vs. Gilgamesh
Gilgamesh and Enkidu are both similar and different in many ways. Some of their traits affect each other throughout the course of the plot, whether it be their actions or their character. Gilgamesh, a king who is two-thirds god and one-third human, begins in the story as a very arrogant and tyrannic man. The gods gave him every reason to be when they endowed with a perfect body, wealth, power, and the ability to instill fear into his subjects. However, I would assume that the gods had hoped he would have been somewhat humble despite the gifts bestowed upon him, and rather, use them to enhance his role as a king. In an attempt to humble him, the gods create Enkidu. Enkidu, a wild best of a man, seems to be primarily the personification of what is evil. He is in no way out to make acquaintances or make a name for himself. His sole purpose is to "absorb Gilgamesh's energies." He lives like a beast and has no contact with anyone. Finally the two fight, resulting in a victory to Gilgamesh. Enkidu becomes his faithful friend. This fight and the formation of a friendship stand as the first effect upon each other's character. I believe
Throughout the course of the battle, we gain insight into Gilgamesh's vulnerability of which we had seen nothing of before. This is the first time we see Gilgamesh as a human. His is full of fear ad finally is forced to pray for help. In this section of the story, you really begin to notice a kind of dependency of Enkidy for Gilgamesh. He seems to really fit the profile of the classic sidekick. Enkidu is fearful and hesitant of event while Gilgamesh, his leader, is full-force ahead into any event. In the confrontation with Humbaba, we recognize how Enkidu is much shrewder and less trusting than Gilgamesh. Humbaba begs for his life and offers everything he has in exchange for it. Gilgamesh seems to have pity upon him, however, Enkidu persuades him to be intolerable and kills him. Enkidu displays a kind of selfishness here that is very similar to that of Gilgamesh. He will hear of no other becoming allies with Gilgamesh. He is and always will be Gilgamesh's only true companion. You kind of wonder whether or not, up to this point, Gilgamesh's character has rubbed off on Enkidu. The battle of Humbaba also shows us some of the tr
Some common words found in the essay are:
Gilgamesh Enkidu, Gilgamesh Gilgamesh's, Enkidy Gilgamesh, Enkidu Enkidu, Gilgamesh Humbaba, gilgamesh enkidu, throughout course, character gilgamesh,
Approximate Word count = 775
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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