According to Webster’s 5th edition dictionary, doppelgänger is defined as “being a double or alter ego” of an individual. The Epic of Gilgamesh is a story steeped in traditions and symbols. However, the use of the doppelgänger archetype in the poem is evident from the beginning of the story. Enkidu is created to be Gilgamesh’s doppelgänger; Gilgamesh and Enkidu undertake two successful quests; and Gilgamesh’s solitary quest to Upnashiptim mirrors Enkidu’s death. The poem is designed in terms of twins and doubles mainly to balance the story in order to portray a beauty which is deeper than the physical appearance, and give it a beauty which is reflected in the poem itself.
Doppelgänger is a double or mirror image. This may be in the form of an evil twin or multiple personality. Doppelgänger may also be the alter ego of a character. Evidenced in literature and mythology is the archetype of doppelgänger. The conflict between good and evil is the core of the double, or doppelgänger, and good and evil are often embodied in mythology as twins.
In the Epic of Gilgamesh, Enkidu is created to be the doppelgänger of Gilgamesh.
Gilgamesh
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Though Enkidu seeks to tame some of Gilgamesh’s impetuousness, the two set on a quest to defeat Humbaba, guardian of the forest, in order to obtain cedar wood. In similar fashion, once defeating Humbaba, the two return to Uruk where they must defeat the Bull of Heaven. Both of these quests are perfect examples of the doppelgänger archetype, each reflective of the other and portraying the strengths of the characters and their determination to successfully complete the quests on which they set out. The quests mirror each other in that they tell the tale of an adversary being defeated by the hero or heroes of the