The Old Testament is a compilation of writings that were collected and revised by members of the Hebrew and Jewish society. The information in the text ranges from prophetic advice, strict rules from priests, and early accounts of when things happened in history.
The significant and factual material in the ancient book allows us to examine how it connects to the Epic of Gilgamesh. The Epic of Gilgamesh is a fascinating story that has been passed down from generation to generation.
This famous legend has earned its reputation through its heroic myth that has lots of rich history embedded in the epic poem. The Epic of Gilgamesh is split into two parts. First part deals with the background of Gilgamesh (king of Uruk) and Enkidu (man/animal created by the gods) and how their journeys intertwine.
Gilgamesh and Enkidu’s relationship can be described as a bond of equals. Gilgamesh is two parts god and one part man and is the powerful, feared King of Uruk at the beginning of the epic. He is initially depicted as an arrogant, callous king, who rules as a tyrant instead of being a benevolent leader.
Gilgamesh symbolically represents civilization and is portrayed as an educated, ambitious builder. Enkidu was created by the goddess Aruru out of a ball of clay and was raised in the wilderness, and he is one part man and two parts beast. Enkidu symbolically represents the natural world and comes into existence as an uncivilized beast.
His body is completely covered in hair, and he runs free with the other animals in the forest. Unlike Gilgamesh, he is relatively unknown at the beginning of the epic and is not as skilled or strong as the powerful king.
He is also more sympathetic to Gilgamesh’s subjects. Enkidu has a encounter with a prostitute named Shamhat. After this, he became more like man and less like beast and wanted companionship.
Gilgamesh is physically superior to Enkidu, and Enkidu to lost in a fight with him after a wedding party where Enkidu didn’t like the way he tried to sleep with the new bride. Enkidu would lose the battle but Gilgamesh spared his life and they became friends.
Enkidu actually helped Gilgamesh become better and wins his friendship because of his good nature. They are successful in balancing each other out, because of their similar strength but different temperaments. Despite their differences, Enkidu is a good friend to Gilgamesh and influences him to be better.
Gilgamesh is said to surpass “all kings, powerful and tall beyond all others, violent, splendid, a wild bull of a man.” This is similar to Enkidu’s description as “The strongest man in the world, with muscles like rock.”
Both of these men have strength that far exceeds that of an average man. Gilgamesh and Enkidu may be both be physically strong, powerful, and courageous but they are also different in nature.
The undaunted courage they share is shown when Gilgamesh and Enkidu fight Humbaba, using one another’s support to build the bravery necessary to kill a creature of the gods.
