Wednesday, 12 November 2008

What are the similarities and differences between Enkidu and Gilgamesh in The Epic of Gilgamesh?

Both
Enkidu and Gilgamesh are heroic figures, forming a sort of intermediary class between human and
divine. Although they do not have the power and immortality of the gods, they are more powerful
than ordinary humans. Gilgamesh is directly descended from the gods, and Enkidu was fashioned by
the gods. 

Both are larger and stronger than ordinary mortals and capable of
superhuman feats of athletic and martial prowess. Their characters and emotions, whether lust,
joy, rage, or sorrow, also have a quality of grandeur. They live a life of grand passions rather
than the everyday petty annoyances experienced by most humans (Gilgamesh grieves over the death
of his friend instead of being frustrated by rush hour traffic). This grandeur and power make
them a potential threat or challenge to the gods, who do not wish to be usurped or treated as
equals by mortals and see mortals aspiring to a level of greatness that approaches the divine as
a challenge.

Both Enkidu and Gilgamesh have sexual...

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