Comparing Friendships In Water And The Epic Of Gilgamesh

The Epic of Gilgamesh and the movie, Water illustrates a special attachment between friends that have an enormous impact on each other and transform each other’s lives profoundly. Although they are two entirely different types of friendships, each friendship portrays a deep bond and undying loyalty. Throughout our lives, we tend to seek out something purposeful and for the most part we find this through a special connection with another individual. Much like the central characters in the Epic of Gilgamesh and the movie, Water, both Gilgamesh and Chuyia experience harsh realities through their own personal life encounters. The importance of each journey, although vastly different, results in life-altering paths. I will elucidate through these readings the vast differences between friendships, life struggles, and rewards in life of men and women.

Much like Gilgamesh who was handsome and the perfect specimen compared with Enkidu’s hairy and beastlike qualities. Their friendship formed over an initial rivalry and it appeared that they would be arch enemies. However through their competitive nature, they found a mutual respect for each other which transformed into a brotherhood and then they became inseparable. On the other hand, Chuyia develops a bond with Kalyani and Shakuntala based on her desperate need to find a place in her new status despite the age differences between the women. Each of these women seems to be drawn to Chuyia from their past experience with the hopes of saving her from the fate that was brought upon by their similar situations. In contrast, the men’s bonding comes through competition and camaraderie while women’s is through their emotions and nurturing one another. Time has not change how these friendships are formed however the genders influence the course in which they are