Was Gilgamesh Insecure

The Epic Gilgamesh has been around for years. We all know the basics with Gilgamesh and his fight to grow and live a one of a kind life. But what few do not know is the insecurities Gilgamesh faced. Some argue that Gilgamesh was a perfect God. He was the insecure bully on campus, by taking control of Uruk, he had no respect among his peers, and he was man that no one wanted to be. Others argue that Gilgamesh was a scared God; his fear is what made him more and more human throughout his life span. Most readers over look his flaw while reading, but when carefully examining the poem, I have found that there is explicit evidence that shows that Gilgamesh was one of the most insecure characters in the poem. During the course of the poem, Gilgamesh

passes through four stages in the attempt to grow as not only a God, but a human and brother.
We all know how arrogant Gilgamesh is, but his insecurities come through his cocky and spoiled ways.

In tablet one, stanza nine it states “Gilgmesh leaves no daughter to her mother, he seizes one, and then he takes another. “ To me what makes Gilgamesh insecure is how he has to get first dibs on every woman in the town of Uruk. He has such a bad character that he has to demand for sex, instead of getting it because women are attracted to him and his presence. In tablet one, stanza 11 it states” like a wild bull, intimidating men.” Gilgamesh is so insure that he has to put others down for him to feel tall. He feels the need to always be the center of attention, and all eyes on him. The people of Uruk do not like him. In tablet one, stanza 13 it states” Let each one match the other. Let him cease oppressing men so we can rest in peace.” Once again, it shows his ways have such a negative impact that the towns people are begging that his status is brought

down.
Gilgamesh also shows the insecure trait by always following what Enkidu and the towns people have to say.

In tablet three, stanza 21 it states” Let wise and brave Enkidu lead the way, And hear the things Enkidu has to say.” Gilgamesh is supposed to be the leader, not his little brother Enkidu. To have an Elder say that is embarrassing. The Elders were stating that Gilgmesh did not have the courage to stand up to Humbaba, and he was frowned upon. Gilgamesh did not have the confidence to take the lead in such a big fight. He was so terrified and nervous that he became a follower instead of owning up and being the ruler he was meant to be. Once it came to the end of the fight, Gilgamesh insecurities were really brought to light when he continued to listen to Enkidu. In tablet five, stanza 16 it states” Enkidu spoke, “Why do you hesitate? Strike him!.... Don’t run away, and don’t turn back.”.” It was clear that Gilgamesh did not want to kill, but he followed his leader and did what he was not comfortable to do. Gilgamesh spoke up for himself, but it was not enough and his feelings were left

untouched.
Gilgamesh was not liked hy the people of Uruk. I feel that his insecurities stemed from his arrogance. Once he noticed that he was not like he became more cocky and felt the need to always be in the spotlight. Always listening ti Enkidu and the Edlers did not help too. Gilgamesh wantes ro follow his own mind, but because he was look downed upon as a God, he did as he was told. Throughout his life he was continously finding himself, and finding a legacy. He was so wrapped up in his titl aftee death, that he destroyed his present name. Gilgamesh soonly grew out of his insecurities after the death of Enkidu.