“The Epic Gilgamesh” is piece of writing written of Babylonian literature. It focuses on a male figure that seeks immortality. The connection Gilgamesh and Enkidu have, two companions, is particularly important. The relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu is an exact replica of human brotherhood. From the beginning, Gilgamesh and Enkidu are seen as enemies, lovers, and friends, as the feelings they have for one another are rebust and passionate. The connection they have is particularly controversial because the relation they share is quite far from normal. It is the fitting together amongst the two gentlemen and the death of Enkidu that drives Gilgamesh to chase immortality, making himself an improved and reconditioned king. Therefore, Enkidu
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The most apparent discussion is the relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu, as argued by Tzvi Abusch, “the genre is a romance”. (Abusch 364) “The center is the heroic quest, which divides into an Apollonian phase and a Dionysian phase. The first phase includes both the romance interest in the birth and youth of the young hero (the education of Enkidu) and the battle with Humbaba, the agon”. (Abusch 364) After the introduction of Enkidu, the tale takes a turn for the worst. “The second phase begins with the horror of Enkidu’s death”. (Abusch 364) Following Enkidu’s death, Gilgamesh weeps and decides to examine the gift of immortality. Realizing that he would never see his long lost lover again if he lives forever. On the other hand, the same author argues that the tale could be one of love, but not between Gilgamesh and Enkidu, one of Gilgamesh and Ishtar. “The love she offers Gilgamesh does have something romantic about it. It recalls the love of Ishtar and Tammuz, who’s love-play was celebrated in song and ritual”. (Abusch 365) After the killing of Humbaba, Ishtar falls in love with Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh rejects her rubbish and turns her down; this prompt action is what leads to Enkidu’s death. Susan Ackerman, another literary scholar, agrees with the Tzvi Abusch’s first argument, which details a homosexual relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu. She bases this suggestion …show more content…
Both are contraries that praise each other, one an arrogant city man who rules, the other a wild careless man of the forests. The relationship these two gentlemen share is an example human friendship and true companionship. Enkidu is a mirrored image of Gilgamesh. Their relationship is ironic because Enkidu was actually supposed to harm Gilgamesh, not become his life long mate. Through Enkidu, Gilgamesh learns about immortality, and the fact that not everyone has the capability of living forever. The relationship they share represents an “Inner Sibling”, meaning that both characters feed off each other and share the same interests and beliefs. The tale is a controversial one as it deals with many questionable problems and debates, such as one of Enkidu and Gilgamesh’s relationship, and where they stand with each other. Is their relationship just a friendship, or is it more? There are scholars who have gathered facts that can contribute and argue either side. Therefore, Gilgamesh and Enkidu are seen as a team. A team who restfully got the best out of each
The most apparent discussion is the relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu, as argued by Tzvi Abusch, “the genre is a romance”. (Abusch 364) “The center is the heroic quest, which divides into an Apollonian phase and a Dionysian phase. The first phase includes both the romance interest in the birth and youth of the young hero (the education of Enkidu) and the battle with Humbaba, the agon”. (Abusch 364) After the introduction of Enkidu, the tale takes a turn for the worst. “The second phase begins with the horror of Enkidu’s death”. (Abusch 364) Following Enkidu’s death, Gilgamesh weeps and decides to examine the gift of immortality. Realizing that he would never see his long lost lover again if he lives forever. On the other hand, the same author argues that the tale could be one of love, but not between Gilgamesh and Enkidu, one of Gilgamesh and Ishtar. “The love she offers Gilgamesh does have something romantic about it. It recalls the love of Ishtar and Tammuz, who’s love-play was celebrated in song and ritual”. (Abusch 365) After the killing of Humbaba, Ishtar falls in love with Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh rejects her rubbish and turns her down; this prompt action is what leads to Enkidu’s death. Susan Ackerman, another literary scholar, agrees with the Tzvi Abusch’s first argument, which details a homosexual relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu. She bases this suggestion …show more content…
Both are contraries that praise each other, one an arrogant city man who rules, the other a wild careless man of the forests. The relationship these two gentlemen share is an example human friendship and true companionship. Enkidu is a mirrored image of Gilgamesh. Their relationship is ironic because Enkidu was actually supposed to harm Gilgamesh, not become his life long mate. Through Enkidu, Gilgamesh learns about immortality, and the fact that not everyone has the capability of living forever. The relationship they share represents an “Inner Sibling”, meaning that both characters feed off each other and share the same interests and beliefs. The tale is a controversial one as it deals with many questionable problems and debates, such as one of Enkidu and Gilgamesh’s relationship, and where they stand with each other. Is their relationship just a friendship, or is it more? There are scholars who have gathered facts that can contribute and argue either side. Therefore, Gilgamesh and Enkidu are seen as a team. A team who restfully got the best out of each