Gilgamesh

Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk, who was two-thirds god and one-third man.  He built magnificent structures like temple towers and ziggurats that surrounded his city with high walls.  He was physically beautiful, fiercely strong, and very wise.  Even though Gilgamesh was god-like in mind and body, his desires were still human-like.  He started his kingship by raping any woman who attracted him physically and emotionally disregarding if they were single, wives of his warriors, or even daughters of the noblemen.  He did not care because he felt as if he had to be every women sexually whenever he wants to even though he did not get permission.  The epic begins with the birth of Enkidu who first lives his life like an animal.  Soon with the help of a hunter and a temple prostitute, Enkidu learns the characteristics of a man and becomes part of the human world.  Enkidu becomes enraged when he hears about Gilgamesh and wants to encounter Gilgamesh and challenge him.  Once Enkidu and Gilgamesh meet, they have an epic battle for a long time but soon becomes very close friends.  Gilgamesh and Enkidu both seek adventures together and they set out on a journey together.  The scene where Enkidu dies was very emotional because Gilgamesh’s cry for Enkidu is very touching.  Gilgamesh loses his close companion who shared many adventures with him.  Gilgamesh becomes heartbroken and tries to make up for the death of his best friend.  Gilgamesh becomes worried that his life may come to an end and attempts to find immortality.  Gilgamesh fails to find it but realizes the importance of life which is very meaningful.