The epic of gilgamesh by stephen mitchell - Essay Example

The analysis also sheds light upon what perceptions Enkidu has of mankind and how he believes that his race has no hope of success against superior beings due to their fear. Enkidu tries to explain how defeating the Humbaba will be an impossible mission. He tries to explain the attributes of the beast with words like: “His jaws are death”, “his breath spews fire, etc (Mitchell, 93). Enkidu seems to be trying to convince Gilgamesh to let go of the idea of defeating the creature as it will be physically superior to any human, and its supernatural attributes will ensure a victory at his end and death at the side of men.

The way he says: “But how can any man dare to enter the Cedar forest?” shows that Enkidu is unsure and afraid of going on this quest. Enkidu wants Gilgamesh to let go of the idea of defeating the beast (Mitchell, 93). Enkidu is constantly trying to explain how the Humbaba is terrifying and will overcome them. He explains various attributes of the beat with precise detail like the beast is fit for listening to the faintest sound in the woods. This helps to shed light upon Enkidu’s belief that they will not have the chance to achieve triumph in the adventure as the beast will overcome them and death will become their fate.

Enkidu further indicates how the creature is startling and undefeatable by portraying its jaws, voice, and breath that he says transmits fire (Mitchell, 93). His nervousness can be assessed as he further expresses that no man or god can overcome the Humbaba. He, in any case, indicates that somehow it is conceivable to reach success against the beast if man can overcome his fear. When he says that, the animal is there to scare men and that the individuals who are apprehensive will be stuck down due to fear (Mitchell, 93).

It demonstrates that men who manage to overcome their fear against the Humbaba may win the fight because of their gallant and brave nature. This statement presents a contradiction