The ideas of shepherd and sheep-pen are used to show the initial contrast between Gilgamesh and Enkidu. Enkidu is designed by the gods as a younger counterpart to Gilgamesh as a way to distract the king from abusing his people. Gilgamesh is said to be the “shepherd” of “Uruk-the-Sheepfold”, but he is described as tyrannical to the point that his citizens appeal the gods to do something about his unchecked reign of terror. The people of Uruk live in “the Sheepfold” – the city is meant to be a safe place and their king is meant to be the city’s protector. Although that is the intent, calling Uruk a “sheepfold” causes the city to seem like a holding pen where Gilgamesh can pick and choose which of his citizens he will take advantage of each day. …show more content…
Enkidu, however, embodies that idea. A natural protector, when he is wild he disturbs the hunters’ traps, and when he is introduced to the shepherds at a sheep-pen, he instinctively knows to guard the sheep at night. Although he is of similar build as Gilgamesh, the shepherds respect and trust Enkidu instead of fear him. When Enkidu hears of Gilgamesh’s terrible actions, he immediately wants to step in and stop