Enkidu's Role In The 'Epic Of Gilgamesh'

The Epic of Gilgamesh is a celebration of the Sumerian King, Uruk who rose to fame after successfully achieving a status through involvement in tragic encounters. The pursuit for immortality triggered a series of events that led up to the King’s heroic status. Uruk’s king searched for fame and immortality by challenging the creatures that invaded his kingdom. This epic is about an encounter between Gilgamesh and a wild creature, whose main goal was to leverage his influence on the people. Gilgamesh later connected with the wild creature known as the Enkidu, and the two become friends who were often fighting the common enemy. Together, they fought and defeated Humbaba, the monstrous creature they had encountered on their journey West (Godawa

A duel was a very common practice between different gods. The most powerful god would have his wish and will carry the day, and as a result overcome the weaker god. Initially, Gilgamesh had terrorized the people of Uruk, prompting the god of the sky Anu to create an equal to him, who would neutralize his influence and authority on the people. Therefore, Aruru was instructed by Anu to create Enkidu, whom had the strength of the wild animals combined. Thus, Enkidu was created to counter the influence of Gilgamesh since he had persecuted and terrorized the people. This lead to the creation of a contest between the mighty in the society. However, the ultimate theme to pursue immortality would later define the extent of the power of a given

Indeed, the ancient culture believed that the godly given powers were used for protection, and not humiliation or in serving personal interests. On the other hand, the creatures bestowed such powers had to use them responsibly, and with utmost wisdom. Failure to adhere to these standards would lead to unspecified consequences, including an automatic withdrawal of these powers. A creature would not use the god given powers for his personal interest, or else he would experience the wrath of the gods. This scenario is depicted in the epic, especially where Enkidu falls prey to Gilgamesh who tricks him with a harlot to bring him closer to him (Jackson 27). Gilgamesh achieves his goal and corners Enkidu. In a nutshell, the two engage in similar conversation with the quest for immortality taking center stage. However, Gilgamesh’s mission was to suppress Enkidu’s powers and remain the immortal being in the whole kingdom. Enkidu forgot that his initial assignment that was to keep Gilgamesh from terrorizing the Uruk