Nature In The Epic Of Gilgamesh

In The Epic of Gilgamesh, the imbalance between civilization and nature are at the forefront of an internal conflict between the characters of Gilgamesh and Enkidu. At the heart of this struggle in the growing alienation of civilization from nature- a struggle that results in unforeseen consequences. Hence, by analyzing the corruptness of civilization, the innocence of nature, the harmony between civilization and nature, the unforeseen destruction of nature, and the unjust fate of Enkidu, it will be shown how in the process of addressing the imbalance between civilization and nature, further destruction inadvertently occurs. In turn, it will be clear while The Epic of Gilgamesh attempts to convey the message of civilization being in harmony

Such a point is clear through the examination of the character of Enkidu, as once he is brought to life, Enkidu lives in peace and in harmony with nature. For example, Enkidu “ranges over the hills with wild beasts and eats grass”, as well as protecting animals from trappers and in complete “joy” (Sanders 4). This is stark contrast to when Shamhat tames Enkidu and brings him into civilization, resulting in Enkidu losing the innocence he once had. In other words, after Shamhat lays with Enkidu “For six days and seven nights”, Enkidu promptly heads back into the wilderness; nevertheless, once “the wild creatures” see him, they flee, alluding to the animals recognizing that Enkidu has lost his innocence and thus rejecting him (Sanders 5). In turn, this depicts Enkidu as being no longer fully animal, rather as Micah Sadigh states, Enkidu’s “interactions with Shamhat” help him gain “self-consciousness” and become civilized. In addition, the text makes note to demonstrate the sense of humanity that Enkidu still has even though he is civilized, as Enkidu is able to realize that Gilgamesh being the first to sleep with new brides is wrong, a reference to Enkidu being a balance between nature and civilization. Moreover, then it is necessary to introduce Enkidu to Gilgamesh, and bring balance to nature and