A dramatic and traumatizing event often causes people face reality. The Epic of Gilgamesh tells the story of King Gilgamesh of the city-state Uruk and Enkidu who is created to become friends with Gilgamesh and is taken by a prostitute by the name of Shamhat, who is called to discipline and civilize Enkidu rather than allow him to go on as an animal. Gilgamesh embarks on a journey with his new companion Enkidu to the Forest of Cedar and during their journey they encounter difficulties. Throughout the story it is very clear that Gilgamesh has no knowledge of death and after Enkidu and himself have established a tight relationship and Enkidu dies, Gilgamesh realizes how much of an impact he had on him and how close they were and begins to mourn for his death, which proves how one’s death can help someone face reality and recognize the impact he or she has had on their life. …show more content…
While mourning for Enkidu, Gilgamesh says to himself, “I shall die, and shall I not then be as Enkidu? I am afraid of death,” (Pg. 70) Gilgamesh at that point stepped into realizing that eventually he will be dead and cannot avoid it. This same reaction is shown again when Gilgamesh is thinking about Enkidu and how he loved him so dearly. Gilgamesh reminisces on his relationship with Enkidu and begins to say, “My friend, whom I loved has turned to clay. Shall I not be like him and also lie down, never rise again, through all eternity,” (Pg. 85) Gilgamesh basically is saying that if death could come upon his dearest friend why would it not strike him, he is saying that death is inevitable. Not only does Gilgamesh face the reality of death but the reality that Enkidu was almost his only friend and that he had a great impact on his