Success

Success? How is one supposed to define the word success, when the definition of success supposedly varies from person to person? One may let their wealth and riches define their success, while another would view his/ her life as being a success just so long as their family was happy and healthy. With all of the different varying opinions in this world, one is not able to set a finite definition for success. For this reason, it makes it very difficult to judge as to whether or not Gilgamesh lived a successful life. Gilgamesh was a tortured soul. Being 2/3 God and 1/3 human can make it difficult to truly understand where you fit in in the world. This was one of the reasons he was such a difficult person, always causing trouble. “I alone rule, supreme among mankind” (Mitchell, 72). We can see from this quote that he’s secluded himself off from everyone. By saying, “I alone rule”, he doesn’t see himself being able to hold a relationship with anyone; he won’t allow anyone to enter his life. The only man to ever become a part of Gilgamesh’s life was Enkidu. Enkidu, being 2/3 animal and 1/3 human, had many similarities to Gilgamesh, and because of this they formed a brotherly bond. They were each other’s better halves. Because of their love for one another, Enkidu evolved from a wild man into a noble one, their friendship also changed Gilgamesh from a bully and a tyrant into an exemplary king and hero. Because they were so evenly matched, Enkidu put a check on Gilgamesh’s restless, powerful attitude, while Gilgamesh pulled Enkidu out of his self-centeredness. Because of the strong connection that Gilgamesh and Enkidu had made it possible for Gilgamesh to identify with his people’s interests. No woman ever entered Gilgamesh’s life, and many a time the sexual acts that Gilgamesh engaged in were even forced. The same thing cannot be said for his better half, Enkidu. When the temple prostitute seduced Enkidu, he lost his animal attributes but gained his