Literature 201 Enkidu and Gilgamesh the Choices of the two Gilgamesh was not capable of being a good King.
Gilgamesh was very arrogant and oppressive and chose to be unfair to his people. “His lust left no virgins to her lover, not a warrior’s daughter or the wives of his nobles” (p. 13). He claim whatever or whomever he wanted, His qualities almost appear beastly.
Enkidu, who was Gilgamesh equal in size, and beauty, but not in strength, was made by the Gods, because of Gilgamesh harsh treatment of his people. Enkidu had been content running in the forest with the wild animals.He never wanted more, possibly because he did not know how much more the world had to offer; until a trapper and a harlot stole his innocence. He was happy to eat grass and share the animal's water hole. Enkidu loses his animal-like strength but gains understanding and knowledge. Once Enkidu became civilized he became friends with Gilgamesh and was able to tame the wild beast within him as well.
Unlike Gilgamesh, Enkidu was not selfish and possessed a very caring spirit which was opposite of his comrade. At the end of his life, Enkidu briefly regrets his time with temple harlot, because of what it cost him.Shamash reminds him of the good that has come from his introduction to civilization. “Enkidu, why are you cursing the woman, the mistress who taught you to eat bread fit for gods and drink wine of kings? She who put upon you a magnificent garment, did she not give you glorious Gilgamesh for your companion, and has not Gilgamesh, your own brother, made you rest on a royal bed and recline on a couch at his left hand”. (p.
27) Had Enkidu not became civilized he would not have gain wisdom, nor enjoyed any of these pleasure.Better that he to have known these pleasures and die as a man, than to never have known them at all. Throughout the poem, women are seen as either gods, mortals with a higher status than most, or objects to be used. Take for instance the woman who was considered a temple prostitute. It is said that she can tame a wild man by her sexuality.
She is told, "Now make your breast bare, have no shame do not delay but welcome his love. Let him see you naked, let him possess your body. Stir up his lust when he approaches, touch him, excite him, take his breath with your kisses, show him what a woman is.The animals who knew him in the wilderness will be bewildered, and will leave him forever" (p. 14). But after the act is completed, she is just brushed aside and forgotten.
After the death of Enkidu, Gilgamesh fears that he would end up like his brother drag to hell. He becomes afraid to die; he seeks out Utnapishtim by taking a journey through the mountain of darkness and the water of death; which has never been accomplish by mortal man. Gilgamesh having spoken with Utnapishtim is given a chance at immortality.Gilgamesh fails miserably at the test before him.
He instantly falls asleep and sleeps for six days and seven nights. Gilgamesh denies that he has even been asleep, and Gilgamesh loses his chance at immortality. Utnapishtim shows him the bread that he had asked his wife to bake. Gilgamesh is so overwhelmed by this fear of death, that he stops living. Fears and other things in our lives forces decisions to be made that still have penalties. Consequences are still a reality though; even when choices are not far outweighs the penalties that may need to be paid.
