As human beings, we are inclined to crave human interaction and acceptance. These two concepts ultimately lead to friendship, a token that we all cherish, including the main characters of The Epic of Gilgamesh, Enkidu and Gilgamesh. Throughout the epic, the theme of friendship is depicted between these two characters through many different instances: traveling together, helping each other change positively, as well as showing empathy and mourning for each other. for the other. Although the relationship between Gilgamesh and his companion Enkidu is unique, it also serves as an instructive example of the true meaning of friendship. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay In The Epic of Gilgamesh, the relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu begins rockily. Gilgamesh, the leader of Uruk, was feared by his own people. One of his many less than admirable acts is what ultimately led him to meet the man who would become his best friend and brother. However, this first meeting is not how most people would assume a friendship would begin. Gilgamesh decided that he would engage in relations with the new wife of a man before him. When Enkidu hears of these plans, he becomes angry and takes it upon himself to go to Uruk and block the woman's bed, forbidding Gilgamesh from within his reach. The two begin to fight, eventually dragging each other to the ground, where they completely forget about their disagreements. They kiss and from that moment on, Gilgamesh and Enkidu become the best of friends. Examples such as the eventual personality changes of the two characters show the balanced dynamic of the relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu. Although these men grow together as characters, Enkidu can be seen as the more responsible of the two, as he helped Gilgamesh become a more compassionate, understanding, and fearless leader and man in general, while Gilgamesh did of Enkidu a noble man like him. The concept that opposites attract is very visible in these two's friendship, as their opposite but complementary personalities tend to balance each other out like yin and yang. “No,” cried Enkidu; it is the journey that will take our lives. Do not be afraid, said Gilgamesh. We are together. » Their friendship grew so strong that they ultimately became stronger together than apart. Such a force of harmony is manifested in their ability to conquer the invincible monster Humbaba, who is the guardian of the cedar forest, a taboo place for mortals. Gilgamesh and Enkidu travel together for several days, encountering obstacles that they help each other overcome. Together, the two managed to kill Humbaba and bring his head back to Uruk as a trophy to display throughout the city. The push and pull of their opposing personalities is truly what allows them to possess such a strong friendship. One of the most remarkable aspects of Gilgamesh and Enkidu's friendship is the effect that Enkidu's death has on Gilgamesh. The goddess of love, Ishtar, falls in love with Gilgamesh but is rejected. This repudiation angers Ishtar; consequently, she invokes the Bull of Heaven. The bull ends up cursing Gilgamesh. He and Enkidu decide to kill together once more, this time directing their prowess towards the bull. This murder infuriates the gods even more and they conclude that the punishment is deserved, leading to Enkidu's slow and painful death. Gilgamesh watches his best friend and brother die, a process that is the spark of his downfall: a characteristic common to any epic hero..