Gilgamesh

1 Pages 291 Words

The character that I choose from the book “The Epic of Gilgamesh” is Gilgamesh himself. In the beginning of the book one realizes that Gilgamesh is a self-absorbed individual. He abuses his rights as king, as well as “leaves no virgin to her lover”. (13) Although readers may say that Gilgamesh stays the same throughout the whole story, it can easily be interpreted the other way. Throughout the book, many things cause Gilgamesh to change. He gains a friend names Enkidu. After killing Humbaba he makes a name for himself. He then tries to become immortal because of the death of Enkidu. Through his many actions and tribulations his personality changes and he becomes a better person.
Gilgamesh weakness and strengths are of equal throughout the whole story. He is “created with a perfect body, endowed with beauty, as well as courage.” (13) “He is as strong as a star from heaven.” (14) These are just some of his strengths. Weakness that Gilgamesh shows throughout the story are the following: “O Shamash, hear me, hear me, Shamash, let my voice be heard.” (18) “Bitterly he wept for his friend Enkidu; he wandered over the wilderness as a hunter, he roamed over the plains; in his bitterness he cried.” (31) These are two perfect examples of how Gilgamesh shows he weakness.
The culture of this story is about friendship. Gilgamesh learns to become a best friend to Enkidu. He learns to make Enkidu happy who is his best friend. Gilgamesh has to change, and he does, throughout their relationship in order to keep their relationship. Friendship is valued in this story above all and it is shown throughout. I believed that a major issue within the Sumerian culture was friendship....