The Importance Of Community In The Epic Of Gilgamesh

In the setting of The Epic of Gilgamesh, collaboration was necessary if one wanted to survive. While individual strength was important, no man could survive (and thrive) alone. Although Gilgamesh does not immediately see this, it quickly becomes an important theme. The Epic of Gilgamesh demonstrates the importance of community-building throughout the epic by using reoccurring themes of friendship and reliance. Gilgamesh’s friendship with Enkidu emphasizes that reliance is necessary for survival. Enkidu’s death and Gilgamesh’s subsequent grief illustrate the meaningfulness of a community in dealing with mortality. In the beginning of the epic, Gilgamesh is a boastful man who thinks that he can take on the world alone. When speaking to the people of Uruk, he repeatedly uses the pronoun “I” to describe the victory over Humbaba which he expects to achieve by himself (II 260-270). However, even before his first adventure begins, he is advised by his wise councilors that he must “let Enkidu go before you, / he knows the journey to the Forest of Cedar. / … / he shall guard his friend and keep him safe” (III 6-9). Throughout the journey and the battle with Humbaba, Enkidu protects Gilgamesh and quells his fears. Despite Gilgamesh’s demigod status, he is advised repeatedly throughout Tablet III that he will not be

As Enkidu curses his loss of innocence and entrance into civilization, Shamash reminds him that “the people of Uruk [he will have] mourn and lament you” (VII 144). Although Enkidu sees the world of man as corrupt and less pure than his life in the wild, he recognizes that his friendship with Gilgamesh and his place in the community of Uruk will make his life and death meaningful. Without connection to a community, death goes unremembered and life is seemingly