The Recklessness of Gilgamesh

Rob argues that Enkidu’s love prompts Gilgamesh to become a better leader, yet I would argue the exact opposite. For example, Rob states that when “Gilgamesh develops a relationship with Enkidu…[he] is better able to fulfill the needs of his people.” However, once Gilgamesh finds a companion in Enkidu, the two together seem to have no care for the needs of the people in Uruk. Against the people’s wishes, Gilgamesh and Enkidu leave the city to kill Humbaba, simply for Gilgamesh’s satisfaction of the deed and his search for eternal glory. Gilgamesh even admits his preference to search out the world’s dangers with Enkidu, rather than stay in the city and rule the people. In response to the people’s warnings, Gilgamesh answers “..shall I say I am afraid of Humbaba, I will sit at home all the rest of my days?” (74).

Rob also mentions that “Gilgamesh cared so much about Enkidu that when he dies he then looks for immortality.” My interpretation is that Gilgamesh’s actions are much more selfish than his love for Enkidu. Rather, Gilgamesh does not want to suffer the same fate of his friend. When Enkidu first receives the dream which depicts the afterlife fated for all men, Gilgamesh mourns that “…misery comes at last to the healthy man, the end of life is sorrow” (93). Gilgamesh even asserts further that “I am afraid of death” (97). Gilgamesh’s fear then becomes his initiative to search out Utnapishtim for the secret to eternal life, rather than the loss of Enkidu.

Enkidu’s love, though it does provide Gilgamesh with companionship and saves the women of Uruk from Gilgamesh’s whims, does not make Gilgamesh into a better person. Rather, Enkidu incites further recklessness from Gilgamesh (such as the killing of Humbaba), and his subsequent abandonment of his people in search of eternal life.