The Epic of Gilgamesh
Kayli Fontana

“The Epic of Gilgamesh” is one of the earliest examples of world literature deriving from ancient Mesopotamia, evolving over the span of a millennium. The earliest form appears in the Sumerian language written in “cuneiform” in clay or stone. Gilgamesh is introduced as a wise leader of the land, “Surpassing all kings, for his stature renowned”. His father was an earlier king of Uruk and his mother was a goddess called, “the wild cow”. He was considered perfection, two-thirds divine, one-third human. Although he is viewed as handsome and a powerful king who guided his people he need, he was also described as a brutal leader. “Gilgamesh leaves no son to his father! Day and night he rampages fiercely…Gilgamesh leaves no girl to her mother!” Despite being overbearing and arrogant he was still a highly respected warrior who created a plan to humanize Enkidu with Shamhat. Although Gilgamesh is a prominent figure so are the women in his life such as his mother the goddess of Ninsun. Gilgamesh spoke of his dreams to his mother which she interpreted as Enkidu coming into his life, the making of a partnership and friendship. I thought it was interesting the reoccurring dreams of Gilgamesh, Shamhat was telling the dreams of Gilgamesh to Enkidu, each drawn by love to the other. After grappling each other like wrestlers when meeting in the public street they became friends after Enkidu said to him, “As one unique did your mother bear you, the wild cow of the ramparts Ninsun, Exalted you above the most valorous of men!” I think this was an important symbol of the story as two powerful leaders are able to bond with each other. This is showing the importance of friendship, trust and compassion. After speaking with Gilgamesh Enkidu eyes filled with tears and his strength turned to weakness. This describes love within a friendship, when your power and stubbornness subsides while being able to open up to someone else. Enkidu describes this, “Cries of sorrow, my friend, have cramped my muscles, woe has entered my heart”. Gilgamesh and Enkidu bonded further with their shared intent and determination of killing the fierce monster Humbaba, wiping out the evil from the land. I thought it was interesting how although powerful and respected, Gilgamesh was also viewed as relentless and a bad man but this was changed when he was able to bond with a friend who made him understand between right and wrong. “The Epic of Gilgamesh” is a powerful story with the lesson of no matter how powerful we think we are alone we are more powerful together, we still need a friend who can balance us out and show us good which is still a relatable message today.