Homework Log for Gilgamesh: Brotherhood and Friendship

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Maddie Burford Dr. Lee Homework Log #1 September 6, 2014 The Epic of Gilgamesh: Brotherhood and Friendship In the story of The Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the main themes is the relationship between Enkidu and Gilgamesh. Two men who were once enemies but became brothers by the end of the epic. When Enkidu and Gilgamesh first meet, Enkidu was feeling less powerful because all the animals denied him when he laid down with the prostitute; “When with her delights he was fully stated, he turned his gaze to the heard. The gazelles saw Enkidu, they started to run, the beasts of the field shield away from his presence.” (8). Gilgamesh was an almighty king but longed for a friend and he dreams about that one day he will encounter a trusted companion (10-11). With these feelings between the two men, it draws them together. When they compete in a battle, there is a sense of friendship forming. Especially once they acknowledge one another’s strength and respect for one another; “As one unique your mother bore you, the wild cow of the fold, the goddess Ninsum! High over warriors you are exalted, to be king of the people Enlil made it your destiny!” (16).They seal their new friendship with embracing one another and a kiss. Some other evidence that shows that there is a sense of friendship is when Gilgamesh’s mother, Nimsun, makes Enkidu her son which now makes the two men brothers. Another thing is when they go on their adventure together and how they fight the different creatures. They work well together to achieve their goals and this shows that there is a relationship that is very strong between them. Finally when Enkidu dies, Gilgamesh goes into mourning and this can definitely be seen when he goes on his adventure alone When comparing the two characters, there a just a few similar characteristics between them. One main thing is that they both want to prove their power.

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