Gilgamesh and ekindu

The Epic of Gilgamesh: The Relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the most remarkable writings of the Babylonian ancient literature. Its main theme is the condition of man on earth as a mortal being. There are two very important myths incorporated in the epic: one is the quest for immortality and story of the flood, related to Gilgamesh by its very survivor, Utanapishtim. In the context of the symbolic meanings of the text, the relationship between the two friends, Gilgamesh and Enkidu is very important. First of all, their friendship seems to be an epitome for human relationships and brotherhood: Gilgamesh and Enkidu are at the same time friends, brothers, comrades in their heroic feats, and almost lovers in the feelings they have for each other. When Enkidu dies as the gods will it, Gilgamesh, who at first seems to accept his friend’s death as part of the normal course of mankind, becomes very dejected and starts on a journey to find immortality. The sudden preoccupation that Gilgamesh has for his own fate and for the fate of mankind in general when he sees the death of his best friend means that, for him, the relationship with Enkidu is actually a part of his initiation. Enkidu is thus more than a brother and a friend for Gilgamesh; he is an actual mirror for him, a second self and Gilgamesh sees his own fate as a human being in him. Thus, in the first place, the relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu represents a very special and complete connection between two people. The two friends love each other with a deep brotherly love, which often has sexual undertones as well. When Gilgamesh’s mother interprets his dreams that foresee the coming of Enkidu, the two already appear to be united by a strong bond that seems to be a peak of human friendship: “There will come to you a mighty man, a comrade who saves his friend—“(I.249) All the other events in the story point to the unusual powerful relationship between the two.