Homoeroticism is defined as eroticism centered on or aroused by persons of one’s own sex. While scale of physical and psychological sexuality may differ and indeed not even involve any kind of sexual activity, the version in this story may referred to as what in modern times we would call a “bromance”. In The Epic of Gilgamesh, a perfect being was created by several deities but was too wild in all his might. A partner is created for him, to temper and balance him so as to bring peace to the city. Their relationship is the most important and nuanced in the story.

Throughout the epic, there is textual evidence of Gilgamesh and Enkidu’s affection for each other, some of which are difficult to interpret as platonic. For example, it is stated that Gilgamesh loves Enkidu “like a bride”, which would perhaps imply romantic love, if we’re to believe that the phrasing isn’t merely a convention of this particular prose.
Enkidu himself is given several feminine qualities such as “lush head hair like a woman” (Tablet I, Line 98) and is given a closeness with nature generally associated with women. Enkidu’s tempering presence gentles Gilgamesh (taming a wild warrior is usually the cliched role of the female love interest, no?). When Gilgamesh first dreams of Enkidu’s creation (Tablet I, lines 238-250) he describes him as a great weight that he could not move or ift forcefully, no matter his great strength. When he has a closer look however, he “fell in love with it”, and caressed it gently. Suddenly, after admitting this to himself and acting upon it, he can lift the great weight (Enkidu) and present it to his mother. There are many more instances of this behavior in Tablet I alone, and it is indicative of Gilgamesh and Enkidu’s soul-deep bond.