World Literature - Essay Example

Gilgamesh and Enkidu becoming friends s Friendship is one of the most common and ancient forms of human relations, and The Epic of Gilgamesh discovers this truth. Written about 3700 years ago, it’s one of the most ancient texts in history of literature, and yet it’s a poem about friendship to no small degree. It reminds reader that in all times, the best friendship is between equal individuals who meet each other a halfway. The main issue that makes Gilgamesh and Enkidu close to each other is their equal strength.

Tablet 1 says that Enkidu was created with a power equal to one of Gilgamesh to protect humans from Gilgamesh’s easy behavior successfully. Yet this mutual invincibility is also what makes Gilgamesh and then, Enkidu temple the aggression during the fight. Gilgamesh sees Enkidu as the only alike creature in the world and calls Enkidu “friend” and even “brother” before Gilgamesh’s mother Ninsun in Tablet 2 (The Epic of Gilgamesh, 2000). Another thing that brings friends together is their ability to meet each other a halfway.

Enkidu was created a complete savage coming down from a mountain and feeding and living with animals. Yet when the prostitute tells Enkidu about Gilgamesh and different urban life, Enkidu fallows willing to meet the only creature alike. From the first sight, Gilgamesh doesn’t sacrifice anything to become Enkidu’s friend, but Enkidu changes Gilgamesh. To use own power for good is important for Enkidu, and so it becomes important for Gilgamesh, and friends decide to fight Humbaba. In modern world, good friends are supportive for each other in a way similar to Enkidu and Gilgamesh.

They don’t afraid to change own plans for a life if it’s what makes a friend happy. Good friends are always there for each other, but most important that they are equal for each other. Otherwise, there’s no respect in relationships, and someone necessary feels humiliated, someone used. ReferenceThe Epic of Gilgamesh. (2000). George, Andrew (Trans.) London: Penguin Classics.