The Perfect Relationship - Gilgamesh and Enkidu

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The Perfect Relationship

            There needs to be great effort, selflessness, and warmth from both sides in order to have a decent relationship, and it takes much more work to have a perfect one. In The Epic of Gilgamesh we can observe several relationships, but the one between Gilgamesh and Enkidu is the most significant. Both men, who are equally strong, feel the need to unite their strengths and weaknesses, their courage and fear; they are growing together emotionally and physically, making a perfect team. Gilgamesh feels an enormous abyss after Enkidu’s death, and in his grief to the city counselors on page 94, he releases his thoughts and feelings about his relationship with Enkidu. The relationship they have is that of two soul mates, who emphasize sharing and compliment each other.

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            Gilgamesh is very devoted to Enkidu as Enkidu once was devoted to Gilgamesh. Now he is weeping for his friend Enkidu; he is “bitterly moaning like a woman mourning” (94).  Gilgamesh’s grief is as strong as a deep and emotional woman’s cry and sorrow for her loved ones. Gilgamesh also calls Enkidu his brother which is another piece of evidence of his closeness with Enkidu. Brothers as close blood relatives usually share everything, and love each other unconditionally. Gilgamesh also calls Enkidu “a glorious robe,” which is the most important amongst others, and which ...

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