Response Paper - Gilgamesh (Intro, I-III) - Ritik Malhotra

Ritik Malhotra

Near Eastern Studies R1B Lecture 4

Response Paper: The Epic of Gilgamesh (Introduction, Tablets I-III)

In the epic tale, The Epic of Gilgamesh originally authored by Shin-eqi-unninni and translated by Andrew George, Gilgamesh is presented as the heroic, yet cruel, figure responsible for creating the city of Uruk. Seemingly invincible to mortals, Gilgamesh is presented as a powerful leader who is known to rape women at will and rule his kingdom with fierce, brutal power. He is unchallenged until the creation of Enkidu, a being almost as powerful in strength as Gilgamesh. After engaging in fierce combat with one another, Gilgamesh and Enkidu form a friendship that sets them apart from mere mortals. I contend that this relationship is exemplary of their strength, showing them both as equals, and is used to glorify and escalate their characters in the poem to show them as heroic figures in the tale that are capable of doing more than just the regular mortal has power to do.

Gilgamesh is initially presented as a character that “lets no girl go free to her bridegroom” (Tablet I, page 4) indicating that he lusts women that are pure. He feels the need to be the first to touch them and take their virginity before the bridegroom even gets a chance to do anything of the sort, which further exemplifies Gilgamesh’s lust for not only women, but also power; however, it is important to note that Gilgamesh is not picky with the women that he sleeps with, but rather, is open to sleeping with everyone out there, showing that he doesn’t hold any true care for the women. But eventually, because of these cruel activities, “the goddesses [pays] heed” to “the warrior’s daughter” and the “young man’s bride” (Tablet I, 4) which leads to the creation of Enkidu, an equal to Gilgamesh.

Enkidu eventually ends up challenging Gilgamesh after hearing about his cruel activities, but just barely loses the battle. They realize that they are equal in strength and decide to team up, “kissing each other and forming a friendship” (Tablet II, page 17) to exemplify this newfound relationship. This action is one of importance as it shows two strong male figures forming an erotic relationship with one another. Gilgamesh sleeps with many different women in the city, yet only forms an intimate relationship with one man – Enkidu – which sets Enkidu apart as a figure of power and someone worthy of such a relationship. This exclusivity exemplifies Gilgamesh and Enkidu and is symbolic in the sense that it elevates the two characters as ones with special privileges, thereby foreshadowing that they have heroic powers and will do something to make an impact stronger than just a mortal.