the friendship shared between Gilgamesh and his one time enemy Enkidu is one that is rooted in the fact that their personalities and physicalitys compliment each other
Allyson Phillips
English- Forbes
September 19, 2007
Gilgamesh
Throughout history the idea of friendship has been held as something sacred and special that is shared between two individuals who often compliment each other. Not only does friendship impact one's mental growth, but often spiritually as well. In the historic epic of Gilgamesh, the friendship shared between Gilgamesh and his one time enemy Enkidu is one that is rooted in the fact that their personalities and physicality's compliment each other. Not only are they companions, they are able to recognize each other's strengths and weaknesses and continue to build off of them. Their relationship is so deeply ingrained that they are able to see each other as brothers.
Both Gilgamesh and Enkidu are both seeking power and recognition for their strengths as warriors and as distinguished members of society. Gilgamesh is perceived as being an arrogant and headstrong individual while his counter part, Enkidu, is a carefree and "wild animal" that balances out his impulsive and brash personality. Enkidu was created to not only be Gilgamesh's equal, but to continuously challenge him to grow in strength. In one passage, it is said, "O Arura, now create his equal; let it be as like him as his own reflection..." (pg. 13). With this, the Gods granted the prayer of creating an individual so like Gilgamesh it was as if his own reflection. I believe that everyone at some point in their life searches and wishes for their soul mate, an equal who will always be there to never judge, but always support. Gilgamesh and Enkidu are classic examples of this intimate bond.
English- Forbes
September 19, 2007
Gilgamesh
Throughout history the idea of friendship has been held as something sacred and special that is shared between two individuals who often compliment each other. Not only does friendship impact one's mental growth, but often spiritually as well. In the historic epic of Gilgamesh, the friendship shared between Gilgamesh and his one time enemy Enkidu is one that is rooted in the fact that their personalities and physicality's compliment each other. Not only are they companions, they are able to recognize each other's strengths and weaknesses and continue to build off of them. Their relationship is so deeply ingrained that they are able to see each other as brothers.
Both Gilgamesh and Enkidu are both seeking power and recognition for their strengths as warriors and as distinguished members of society. Gilgamesh is perceived as being an arrogant and headstrong individual while his counter part, Enkidu, is a carefree and "wild animal" that balances out his impulsive and brash personality. Enkidu was created to not only be Gilgamesh's equal, but to continuously challenge him to grow in strength. In one passage, it is said, "O Arura, now create his equal; let it be as like him as his own reflection..." (pg. 13). With this, the Gods granted the prayer of creating an individual so like Gilgamesh it was as if his own reflection. I believe that everyone at some point in their life searches and wishes for their soul mate, an equal who will always be there to never judge, but always support. Gilgamesh and Enkidu are classic examples of this intimate bond.