In every story of a hero we the spectators are lead on a journey to see the protagonist’s journey. This happens in most literature so at the end of the journey we can agree with the author that the character is indeed a hero, or whatever one’s belief a hero is. Throughout the journey we will witness other characters and see things from their point of view.

On character in the Epic of Gilgamesh is Ishtar. Ishtar’s characterization is one that you’d expect in a typical stern female character that gets what she wants if it involves power. In the scenario of the Gilgamesh Epic she has a profound interest in Gilgamesh due to his traits of being a mighty character. She makes her intentions clear to Gilgamesh of wanting a romantic relationship, however Gilgamesh doesn’t share the same interests. In order for Ishtar to get what she wants she called on her father the sky god Anu to borrow the bull of heaven to punish Gilgamesh and Enkidu. This type of jealousy and scandalous behavior is found in almost every genre, from Shakespeare, and any modern day drama. Which goes to show human nature is the same throughout the ages in literature.

Enkidu is another character that plays a vital role in the Epic, as he plays a brotherly role in Gilgamesh’s adventure. Shortly after Enkidu’s death Enkidu places a string of curses to nearly everyone he’s met since his altercation with Shamhat, and blames everyone for being responsible for bringing him out of the wilderness, which resulted to his death. This type of blaming behavior occurs every time something does not happen as one anticipated.

However it can be discussed that gods ordain Enkidu’s death, because his death was almost inevitable.  He was 2/3’s beast, which is almost the same as being 2/3 god. In most of these types of early mythologies almost any being that wasn’t human is almost considered on the same level as being a god. Furthermore one of the reasons Ekindu was created by Aruru was so that Gilgamesh would have an equal, and someone to have commonality with.

Another character that plays a role in this Epic is Utanapishtim, who challenged Gilgamesh to stay awake for 6 days and 7 nights in order to see if Gilgamesh would fail. Possibly this test was meant as a form of mental torture to see if Gilgamesh had what it took to be the powerful being that he had just proved to be throughout his journey, but Utanapishtim created this challenge anticipating failure. This is the same type of behavior of rigging games or challenges you see in many hero stories such as Gladiator, Harry Potter, and many others. Where the antagonist throw as many enemies as possible to see if the protagonist can be defeated.

Another character that plays a role is Utanapishtim wife, who seems more of a fair character than her husband Utanapishtim. To prove that Gilgamesh was asleep for 6 days and 7 nights, she lays out a new loaf of bread each day. The stalest bread shows the first day, and the most fresh would show that he has not awoken yet.

At the end of the Epic Gilgamesh’s new role as the king of Uruk begins to show as he stares at the wall to make sure that it is well enforced, and secured, because one of his new roles now as king is to be the city’s protector. The wall is his tool, and assurance of the city’s protection. This is related to the prologue of the Epic because as the creator of Uruk the wall was what made Uruk stand out, and Gilgamesh staring at it is his way of looking at the symbol of the city, his symbol. Towards the end of the story he has Urshanabi inspect the wall, this goes to show that Gilgamesh has become more of a commander and chief rather than a warrior on a conquest by having others play a role in the cities protection.

Enkidu, Wild Man Who Joined the Civilized World, Dies.

Enkidu, adopted son of Ninsun, died yesterday in Uruk. It happened just days after Enkidu felt sick for an unknown illness.

His death was confirmed by Gilgamesh, king of Uruk, Enkidu’s brother and soul mate. In his statement Gilgamesh said,

“I mourn my friend Enkidu, I howl as bitterly as a professional keener.”(1)

Details about early life of Enkidu remain mostly unknown. We understand that he did not have biological parents; Aruru made him out of clay. Enkidu spent his youth in a forest, surrounded by wild animals, which raised him. His faith was to confront Gilgamesh.

Full record of his life starts from the moment when Shamat, a temple harlot, led him out of wildness. Enkidu enjoyed delights of the civilized word. One of shepherds who witnessed Enkidu’s first meal of bread and beer said,

“Enkidu let us known himself as a joyful friend and wakeful watchmen. We were all impressed by his strength and loyalty.”(2)

Enkidu became a public persona after he blocked a king’s way to a bride’s bedchamber. After a vivid confrontation with Gilgamesh, Enkidu earned his respect and love. They quickly became friends, and later brothers. Many people believed that the men might have been lovers. A duet of brave warriors made names for themselves after a killing of Humbaba and Bull of Heaven.
In a public consciousness, Enkidu will be forever remembered as fearless combatant and Gilgamesh’s devoted confidant.

1. “The Epic of Gilgamesh.” The Norton Anthology of World Literature. Ed. Unknown. 3rd ed. Vol. A. N.p.: W. W. Norton, 2012. 133. Print.
2. False citation.

Spotted this weekend at Potter’s Wheel Tavern, King Gilgamesh of Uruk was seen with a new friend, Enkidu (Of where? We don’t really know.) Rumored to be dating the infamous Shamat of Uruk, Enkidu was introduced to Galgamesh by their mutual harlot friend. Gilgamesh, known for his insatiable taste in women, hot body and his sometimes unfavorable ruling ways is most often seen with other royal socialites. Enkidu, a far cry from royalty, is said to be a child of the wild, raised by beasts and unexposed to the more civilized luxuries of life.

It is unclear as to why Gilgamesh, son of former King Lugalbanda and goddess Ninsun, has been hanging out with Enkidu. While they were previously seen pumping iron together at Tigris Sports Club earlier this week, their physique is about all they have in common. Rumor has it that  Gilgamesh is set to embark on a three day journey to Cedar Forest, in attempts to dethrone its notoriously violent leader, Enlil. Perhaps Enkidu has been named Gilgamesh’s newest bodyguard and right hand man, but we can’t be sure.

When reached for comment, both parties declined. We were able to get in touch with Ninsun who claims that Gilgamesh and Enkidu’s friendship has developed organically and while rather odd is of benefit to both parties. “As you know, my son is short tempered, arrogant at times, too brave for his own good […] Enkidu has showed him patience and compassion. Humility. He’s most definitely a blessing in disguise.” she said.

For now, we’ll continue to speculate this odd pairing. Until then, we’ll be sure to keep you updated on the latest celebrity news. Celebrity tip or spotting? Send to [email protected]!​

Please take a moment to explore our course blog and make sure you can find and access resources you will need for the upcoming semester. Some recently added items are:

• course syllabus
• readings for week 2 (for anyone who hasn’t yet purchased the Norton Anthology)
• a link to the electronic text Contexts and Comparisons – a necessary text for the course
• a link to the Norton Anthology of World Literature Study Space

If you missed the first day of class, or just added the class, make sure you print out the reading (if you don’t yet have the text book) and bring it to the next class. Check the syllabus and course schedule to see what pages are due and email me if you have any difficulty downloading the PDF files from the “Readings” page of the site.

You’ve all been designated authors on the site so feel free to add your own comments and input at any time. Check the site at least once per class period so you don’t miss any important announcements or information. I’ll be posting a schedule for your own blog posts on our readings by the end of the week, so stayed tuned!

For Monday 9/8

• How does the Prologue characterize Gilgamesh as a king and as a man?
• In what ways does the harlot Shamhat “civilize” Enkidu (beside the obvious)? What are the signs of his “civilization”?
• What is the nature of the relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu? How does each compliment the other?
• What about the women in the story: Ninsun, Shamhat, and the goddess Aruru? How do they move the narrative forward?
• Why do Gilgamesh and Enkidu pursue their first adventure? What do they hope to gain?

For Wednesday 9/10

• How would you characterize Ishtar? What does she want from Gilgamesh and what tactics does she use to get what she wants?
• What is the purpose of Enkidu’s string of curses in Tablet VII? Why, especially, does he curse Shamhat? For what does he blame her? (VII. 58-86 [pp129-30])
• Is Enkidu’s death ordained by the gods? Why him and not Gilgamesh?
• In what ways are water and bodies of water significant in the narrative? What do they symbolize? Give specific examples.
• What is the significance of Utanapishtim’s challenge to Gilgamesh to stay awake for 6 days and 7 nights? Why does he have his wife measure the days with loaves of bread?
• Why does the narrative end with Gilgamesh’s observation of the walls of Uruk? How is this scene related to the story’s Prologue? Does it signify any progression of his character?