Clifford Kocian
Mr. Kocian
English 9- A1
30 Sept 2015
Enkidu:
In the Shadow of a Hero
Heroes are all around, but often go unnoticed. Instead, television airwaves are filled with the
likes of the Kardashians and whatever boy band is popular at the moment. Heroes, though, come in all
shapes and sizes and are often common people. Heroes are kind, selfless, and always willing to go out
of their way to help other people. In The Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh, who is 2/3 god, is the ruler of
the city of Uruk. In the epic, the gods create an equal for him—Enkidu. Although Gilgamesh is the main
character in the story, Enkidu is the true hero because of his selflessness, dependability, and honesty.
The first reason why Enkidu is a hero is that he is selfless. Somebody who is selfless is more
concerned about others than themselves; they are willing to put others first. Enkidu is selfless when
warning Gilgamesh about Humbaba: “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,” (80). Enkidu is willing to sacrifice his pride and
admit his fears to protect Gilgamesh. Enkidu is also selfless when he challenges Gilgamesh. Enkidu says,
“I will go to the place where Gilgamesh lords it over the people, I will challenge him boldly,” (68).
Enkidu is willing to go to the city and fight Gilgamesh even though Gilgamesh is 2/3 god. This is because
Enkidu sees that Gilgamesh is treating his subjects poorly, and is willing to selflessly fight for them.
Finally, Enkidu is selfless even in death: “I must sit down on the threshold of the dead and never again
will I see my dear brother with my eyes,” (89). When he finds out that he is going to die, Enkidu’s first
thought is not about himself. Rather, it is about how he is sad to leave Gilgamesh alone in the world.
Enkidu’s willingness to always put others before himself demonstrates his selflessness.
In conclusion, Enkidu was selfless, dependable, and honest. His many actions across a variety of
contexts show that these were strong and enduring traits in Enkidu. Heroes are often not the rock stars
or Gilgamesh’s of the world. Rather, heroes are the people whose characteristics and actions
demonstrate their willingness to put others first and to help others. Enkidu certainly demonstrates
these qualities. It is important to recognize those who demonstrate heroic qualities. Although these
heroes themselves don’t ask for recognition, they deserve the highest praise that man can offer.