Contrast this with how Gilgamesh feels following Enkidu's death. While one can argue that Gilgamesh is only saying these things to encourage Enkidu, he is also clearly on a power trip. To him, fame and a legacy are the most important aspects of life. This passage demonstrates Gilgamesh's view of himself and life in general. Gilgamesh boasts of how, regardless of how the battle goes, his fame is cemented. Here, Gilgamesh admonishes Enkidu's fear prior to their battle with Humbaba/Huwawa. My fame will be secure to all my sons.'" Ferry, p. It is Gilgamesh who will venture into the ForestĪnd cut down the Cedar down and win the glory. 'It was Gilgamesh who fought against Huwawa! If I should fall, my name will be secure. You who have fought with lions and with wolves, 'Go on, go forward, go on, embrace the danger!' Who will venture first into the Cedar Forest, This marks his transition from an animal to a man who now guards against the intrusion of nature. Most notable is that Enkidu then takes up watch to protect the shepherds from the animals of the natural world of which he was once a member. Once again, Shamhat shepherds him through this transformation as Enkidu imbibes alcohol for the first time and then washes and dresses himself in fine clothing. This passage demonstrates Enkidu's initial innocence in the ways of humans, but ends with his transformation. The shepherds could lie down in peaceful sleep." Ferry, p. Therefore, at night, with Enkidu to guard them, He took up a weapon to guard the flocks and shepherdsĪgainst the wolves and lions that preyed upon them. So that he looked as beautiful as a bridegroom. With oil, and dressed his body in new clothes, Then he washed his hairy body, anointed himself Seven jugs of the beerĪnd he was suddenly joyful, and sang aloud. So Enkidu ate his fill of the cooked food,Īnd drank the beer. Said: 'Enkidu, this is the food and drink Then Shamhat, the harlot, the temple prostitute, So he sat and stared at the cooked food and the beerįor a very long time, not knowing what to do. "But Enkidu knew nothing about these things, He seeks assistance from Shamhat to reconcile these new thoughts. Through sexuality Enkidu comes to gain a new self-understanding, which initially frightens him. He is no longer able to roam the plains with the same energy he did before. The animals who were his friends realize the change in him and abandon him. He is now a human being who has become self-aware. Unable to follow but in the mind of the wild manīewildered, he turned, and sought out the companyįollowing his encounter with Shamhat, Enkidu is introduced to sexuality and this becomes a civilizing force. His body that loved to range the hills was now The creatures were gone, and everything was changed. Whose hearts delight in feeding upon the grasslands, Went to seek out the company of the creatures When Gilgamesh heard this premonition from his mother, he was used aback.Lay with her in pleasure, and then at last Neither Gilgamesh nor Enkidu experienced ever acquired a buddy that was a man before.Įnkidu knew just of the steppe pets, and Gilgamesh, a tyrannical master, had by no means handled anyone as his identical.īoth males had long been advised of the potential friendship from the prostituté and Ninsun, respectiveIy. This company between Enkidu and the pets seems even more real, as it has been grown over Enkidus lifetime on the steppe. It had been just until he slept with a prostituté, shaved his body, and went into a civilized city that he became a man. Neither Enkidu nor the animals knew that he was any various from them.Įnkidus look had been that of an animal, and he knew nothing of the globe of man. The companionship between Enkidu and the animals of the steppe will be the initial instance of a friendly relationship.Įnkidu resided with the creatures, as one óf them: He freed them from the traps The seekers set.Ī hunters boy one day time Noticed Enkidu starting a snare: The monster was all covered with locks And yet his hands acquired the dexterity of men's He ran beside the liberated gazelle Like a sibling And they consumed together at a pool Like two buddies Expressing some typical journey Not needing to speak but simply continue.Įnkidus a friendly relationship with the animals has been one of equivalence.
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