Companionships in the Myth of Gilgamesh

In nearly all adventure stories, the main character is accompanied by a sidekick. The role of this companion is usually to advise and assist the protagonist in the completion of a series of quests. Of the numerous companionships present in the myth of Gilgamesh, such as Shamhat and Enkidu, none is more significant to the story as the bond between Gilgamesh and Enkidu. In Stephen Mitchell's translation of The Gilgamesh, the relationship between Enkidu and Gilgamesh fully reveals the character development of Gilgamesh over the course of the story. The ensuing friendship that is created between the two conveys the human side of the semi-divine Gilgamesh. From the outset of the story, Gilgamesh is portrayed as a powerful tyrant, who "does whatever he wants, takes the son from his father and crushes him, takes the girl from the mother and uses her" (72). Prior to Enkidu's arrival to Uruk, Gilgamesh's power indicates that his divine side dominates. He has the wisdom of an ordinary man, but the presence of a god. However, following the brawl between Enkidu and Gilgamesh, the reader is aware that Gilgamesh is capable of love; as he and Enkidu "embraced and kissed...[and] held hands like brothers" (Mitchell, 2004, p. 90). The two heroes' quest to kill Humbaba in the Cedar Forest reveals Gilgamesh's development further, with his desire to embark on the quest itself driven by pride, as he proclaims "I will make a lasting name for myself, I will stamp my fame on men's minds forever" (Mitchell, 94). As his faithful companion, Enkidu attempts to persuade Gilgamesh against completing his desired task. To convince Enkidu, Gilgamesh answers "only the gods live forever, our days are few in number, and whatever we achieve is a puff of wind" (Mitchell, 93). Gilgamesh's response indicates he is aware of his mortal side, but has yet to fully comprehend it. On their journey to Cedar Forest, Enkidu's role as sidekick shows Gilgamesh's capability of fear. Each night the two stop to rest, Gilgamesh is woken by a nightmare. To set his companion's mind at ease, Enkidu assures Gilgamesh each night that his dreams are positive. In addition to his bad dreams, Gilgamesh's fear of facing Humbaba nearly prevents him from completing his task. During the battle with the monster, Gilgamesh once again requires motivation from Enkidu. Upon first encountering Humbaba, Gilgamesh begins to retreat, crying out "how dreadful Humbaba's face has become!...I feel haunted, I am too afraid to go on" (Mitchell, 123). Following reassurance from Enkidu, "Gilgamesh felt his courage return" (Mitchell 123), and the two go on to slay the beast. This is an entirely different Gilgamesh than described at the beginning of the story, who would unlikely fear Humbaba. Capable of love and fear, Enkidu's death as consequence of killing Humbaba causes Gilgamesh to feel grief, who "all through the long night...wept for his dead friend" (151). From this moment forward, death is more of a reality than ever for Gilgamesh. Fear once again takes a hold of Gilgamesh, and it drives him to leave Uruk in search for immortality. Thus, Enkidu's interaction with Gilgamesh as his sidekick and, the events they experience shines light on the ability of Gilgamesh to feel love, grief and fear. In The Gilgamesh, Enkidu plays the classic role of sidekick, displaying the effectiveness of teamwork and offering counsel and encouragement to Gilgamesh. After becoming friends, Gilgamesh's character develops rapidly. Enkidu and Gilgamesh's relationship not only reveals Gilgamesh's capacity to feel emotions, but that they have the ability to dictate his actions. Furthermore, these are emotions that would certainly not encumber a powerful god. Without Enkidu's motivation both on the journey to kill Humbaba, and during the battle with the beast itself, it would seem unlikely that Gilgamesh succeed. But perhaps the most significant impact Enkidu has on Gilgamesh is his death, which causes Gilgamesh to feel fear and grief so strong, that it leads him from Uruk in search for answers. The protagonist sets out to complete this quest alone, returning a mortal, but with the wisdom of a god.