The Role Of Emotions In The Epic Of Gilgamesh

The story “Gilgamesh” is the world’s oldest recorded story. The first record of the story was created in Mesopotamia (circa 4000 BCE), and many other civilizations have adapted their own version of “Gilgamesh”. The story was written in cuneiform, which is the world's first writing system. The story follows Gilgamesh, who is one part human and two parts god, and Enkidu who is sent to help and humble him. Gilgamesh and Enkidu face many emotional and psychological struggles during the story; these can connect an ancient epic to a modern reader, because of their motivations, emotions expressed, and internal thoughts. First, motivations are a psychological struggle that Gilgamesh and Enkidu face during the story which can connect an ancient epic

Gilgamesh faces a variety of different emotions throughout the text, in the beginning he is very confident, however, when directly facing challenges he becomes fearful. In the text it states, “You cannot discourage me With fears and hesitations. I will fight Humbaba, I will cut down his cedars. Tell the armorers to build us two-edged swords And double shields and tell them I am impatient and cannot wait long” (lines 10-16). This shows how Gilgamesh in the beginning seems to have no fears; he is eager to prove himself in the battle and very brave. Later on, when Enkidu and Gilgamesh reach the forest the text states, “Suddenly it was Gilgamesh who was afraid, Enkidu who reminded him to be fearless” (lines 62-63). This shows how his previous bravery has turned into fear. This story allows for the modern reader to see Gilgamesh’s emotional progression and changes as the story continues. Modern readers are able to empathize with Gilgamesh in feeling confident at first, yet later on being fearful when it comes time for the confrontation. Enkidu's emotions are shown all throughout the story. Enkidu is constantly faced with fear and readers are able to see how he reacts and faces anxiety all throughout this tale. The text shows Enkidu’s emotions stating, “Gilgamesh saw in his friend the pain He had seen before and asked him what it was That troubled him. Enkidu

Enkidu shows his internal thoughts to the reader as the author lets us into a glimpse of his dream and his feelings concurring with it. The text, referring to Enkidu, states, “He cried aloud for them to stop appearing over him Emerging from behind the trees with phosphorescent eyes Brought on by rain. He could not hear his voice But knew he screamed and could not move his arms” (lines 113-116). Enkidu is sharing his dream and his thoughts, as he believes something is stocking him. This glimpse into Enkidu’s thoughts allows readers to understand his fears rooted in his subconscious. Modern readers can relate to having dreams haunt them as well, as well as the sense of being paralyzed by fear. Readers are also given a glimpse into Gilgamesh’s mind through his dream. In the text it states, “Gilgamesh awoke but could not hear His friend in agony, he still was captive to his dreams Which he would tell aloud to exercise: I saw us standing in a mountain gorge, A rockslide fell on us, we seemed no more Than insects under it. And then A solitary graceful man appeared And pulled me out from under the mountain, He gave me water and I felt released” (lines 124-132). This dream shows Gilgamesh’s thoughts with his want for fame and glory. He wants to have the satisfaction of glory and to finally be released from the pressure