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Kristina Rutas
Professor Blake, Morgan Bozick
Comparative World Literature 241
3 September 2008
The Reflection of Humanity
In The Epic of Gilgamesh the author uses the characters of Gilgamesh and Enkidu to
demonstrate what role humanity has on the Earth. The author uses each character to symbolize
opposing qualities of mankind, and when combined the duo is representative of humanity as a
whole. The embodiment of humanity allows the author to specify the role of humanity as being
separate from the gods and the wilderness. The issue of mortality is especially present in “The
Forest Journey” as the characters grapple with the concepts of death, legacy, and self
preservation. Gilgamesh and Enkidu once again support opposite ends of the spectrum in
relation to the mentality surrounding mortality.
In a world that was explained as being controlled by the gods and nature it may have
been difficult to know what place there was for humanity. The author demonstrates the role of
mankind as distinctly separate from the gods and nature by creating characters with extreme
characteristics that embody features of historic humanity. Enkidu represents natural, primitive
man. “He was innocent of mankind; he knew nothing of the cultivated land. Enkidu ate grass in
the hills with the gazelle and lurked with wild beasts at the water-holes…” (63). This instinctive,
fundamental aspect of man is closely related to the ‘beasts of the wilderness’ in mentality and
lifestyle. Gilgamesh’s character captures the opposing characteristics of man. Gilgamesh
represents civilized, tyrannical man. “A goddess made him strong as a savage bull, none can
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withstand his arms” (63). Gilgamesh can be seen as representing god-like features of humanity
because of his power and authority.
Each character in his extreme is incomplete without the other. When Gilgamesh and
Enkidu meet each other their qualities are countered and each is balanced. Together they create a
whole and are resultantly demonstrative of the role of humanity on Earth. To Gilgamesh,
Enkidu’s presence draws him down from his god-like, tyrannical stance. Gilgamesh is found
asking what makes Enkidu sigh bitterly, and Enkidu replies that it is fatigue. “It was then that the
lord Gilgamesh…reflected,” (67). Enkidu directs Gilgamesh’s awareness to his own mortality.
To Enkidu, Gilgamesh is an equal that is able to satisfy his need for companionship above the
beasts. “… [Enkidu] longed for a comrade, for one who would understand his heart” (65). Each
man displays how humanity is different from the gods and nature upon meeting each other.
Gilgamesh is introduced to the concept of mortality, the dividing line between the gods and man.
Enkidu satisfies his own yearning for a companion, one that can understand the wisdom that man
and not animal attain.
The difference in how each man represents humanity translates to the difference in how
each man perceives his mortality. Gilgamesh represents humanity’s desire for immortality by his
wish to create or leave something that will outlast him. Gilgamesh states, “I am committed to this
enterprise: to climb the mountain, to cut down the cedar, and leave behind me an enduring
name,” (68). Gilgamesh plans to slaughter a monster named Humbaba in order to become a
legend. Enkidu represents the natural instinct involving human mortality, the instinct of selfpreservation. Enkidu states, “O my lord, you do not know this monster and that is the reason you
are not afraid. I who know him, I am terrified,” (72). Enkidu’s reluctance to embark on their
journey shows his interest is stronger in self-preservation than in creating a legendary status.
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The difference in the way that Gilgamesh and Enkidu perceive mortality may explain
why a conflict arises over killing Humbaba. Upon hearing Humbaba plead for mercy Gilgamesh
is tempted to spare the life of the beast, “…the heart of Gilgamesh was moved with compassion,”
(73). Perhaps this is because Gilgamesh is satisfied by simply winning the battle and thus
ensuring his name goes down in history. Whereas, to Enkidu leaving Humbaba alive means he is
a threat and jeopardizes their survival. Enkidu states, “He [Humbaba] will bar the mountain road
against you, and make the pathways impossible…this Humbaba must die,” (73). Understanding
the difference in the way that the characters are aware of their mortality can explain why Enkidu,
who is portrayed as a passive character, chooses an aggressive action.
The pairing of Gilgamesh and Enkidu, and their journey to the Country of the Living
provides a depiction of what the role of humanity is on Earth and what mortality means to this
humanity. Gilgamesh and Enkidu are human beings, made supreme by their abilities which are
embellished to reflect the qualities of mankind. The resulting reflection is of a humanity caught
between the realm of nature and the god, a humanity coming to terms with the meaning of
mortality.