Love

Something that the authors of Gilgamesh care about is love. Throughout the story of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh develops a "love" for his companion Enkidu. Love and companionship go hand in hand in this story as Gilgamesh asserts that, "when two go together each will protect himself and shield his companion, and if they fall they leave an enduring name" (Gilgamesh 77). When Enkidu--Gilgamesh's companion, is first introduced to Gilgamesh, he was happy to hear that Gilgamesh was a strong man who ruled many and "longed for a comrade, for one who would understand his heart" (Gilgamesh 65), as all humans want love and companionship. In the beginning of the story, Gilgamesh was a self centered jerk. In the first chapter the author talks about Gilgamesh's arrogance, how he is a poor leader because of his selfishness.
However, when Gilgamesh develops a relationship with Enkidu, that is when he finally is able to change. Gilgamesh begins to care about what his people want and is better able to fulfill the needs of his people.
Gilgamesh cared so much about Enkidu that when he dies he then looks for immortality. This is because he cared about his friend so much that he does not want to end up like his comrade. The author demonstrates that love is something that they care about because love is what helps to change Gilgamesh into a great leader. Once Gilgamesh’s love for Enkidu is introduced Gilgamesh can change and it makes him into a better person.