Similarities Between Gilgamesh And Enkidu

Gilgamesh and Enkidu both are on a quest for a better sense of self, as illustrated in The Epic of Gilgamesh. Both, however, must give up an aspect of their identity that is vital to who they are. For Gilgamesh, his attitude towards other people is the most important change that he experiences. For Enkidu, his entrance into the wilderness is his most life-shaking change. Both heroes of the story must go through radical change in order to gain a higher sense of freedom, both loosing an important part of their identities.

Gilgamesh possesses a vital piece of his identity in his cocky, holier-than-thou, royal disposition. This mindset would have easily caused his downfall as king had he not received liberation from this attitude through his journey. Gilgamesh would have continued to be a terrible king who slept with others wives and challenged every suitable man had he not had the experience of going on his journey. Through his two journeys, one with Enkidu and one without, he learns to care about others, that he is only a mortal man, to show restraint, and to

After the two first meet, Enkidu first says that he is not fond of the idea of hunting Humbaba, but then later on is persuaded by Gilgamesh when he asks, “Why, my friend, do you speak like a weakling?” (II, 232, p. 19). Enkidu chooses to rise to Gilgamesh’s bait and does not stand up for his values. He moves even more away from his values when he and Gilgamesh have captured Humbaba and Enkidu expresses, “Smite him again, slay his servant alongside him!” (V, 18, p. 45). Enkidu has made a complete revolution from his original ways and is supporting the death to another wild creature. Although Enkidu has gained freedom in his companionship with Gilgamesh, he has hurt his good and true values in the