Gilgamesh Pride Analysis

Gilgamesh is a prideful and uncaring ruler when first presented to the reader. The citizens of Uruk consider Gilgamesh a tyrant at the beginning of the story because he regularly harasses and harms them. His worries lie more in satisfying his own desires for excitement and power at the cost of his subjects, than in ruling them with care and patience. However, with the help of Enkidu and the gods, Gilgamesh transforms into a great ruler.
Gilgamesh’s relationship with Enkidu helps reduce Gilgamesh’s hubris. Enkidu possesses a much calmer nature which helps balance Gilgamesh’s boldness and pride. However, Gilgamesh still retains part of his prideful nature. The decision to travel to the cedar forest reflects this. Despite the knowledge that Uruk