Fellowship in the Epic of Gilgamesh Rebecca Vines College

As human beings, we are inclined to crave human interaction and acceptance. These two concepts eventually lead to friendship—a token cherished by all of us, including the main characters of The Epic of Gilgamesh, Enkidu and Gilgamesh. Throughout the epic, the theme of friendship is portrayed between these two characters through many different instances: traveling together, helping one another change positively, as well as empathizing with and grieving for one another. Though the relationship of Gilgamesh and his companion Enkidu is unique, it is also an instructive example of the true meaning of friendship.

In The Epic of Gilgamesh, the relationship of Gilgamesh and Enkidu starts out rocky. Gilgamesh, the leader of Uruk, was feared by his own people. One of his many less-than-admirable acts is what eventually led him into meeting the man who would take the place as his best friend and brother. This initial encounter, though, is not how most would assume a friendship to arise. Gilgamesh decided that he would engage in affairs with a man’s new wife before he does. When Enkidu hears about these plans, he becomes angry and takes it upon himself to go to Uruk and block off the bed of the wife, prohibiting Gilgamesh from being within...