Epic of Gilgamesh: Changes in the Hero, Tests and Trials, and the Allies and Enemies
Please only use readings that are attached in the file. Get sources from the readings that are attached in the file.
Describe the Epic of Gilgamesh by telling your reader: a) why the hero changes after meeting Enkidu, and in what ways he changes; b) the kinds of tests and trials he undergoes throughout the story; and c) the allies and enemies he meets, and how he interacts with them
Discuss what kind of person Gilgamesh was at the beginning, how he changes over the course of the tale, what happens to bring about the changes in him, and what he does as a fully developed hero-king.
Also talk about the "lessons" the story teaches about the world. This means you should briefly summarize the most important points of the story, but then provide your own analysis as well (of how and why he changes, what are the important lessons of the story, etc.)
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Gilgamesh
The hero in the Epic of Gilgamesh changes after meeting Enkidu by becoming more human. While Gilgamesh and Enkidu start as enemies, they form friendships that gradually change the hero’s character. Gilgamesh was a tyrant and an arrogant ruler: he abused his power as the king of Uruk by causing much suffering to his subjects. The people of Uruk cry out to Aruru, and the creator goddess creates an arch-rival that could challenge King Gilgamesh. Enkidu is a bold, wild, and strong man, and it is his strength and courage that forces the hero of the epic to temper his arrogance. The two develop a strong friendship, which results in Enkidu’s character rubbing off on Gilgamesh (Kovacs). Enkidu’s humanity forces Gilgamesh to reevaluate his relationship with his subjects and his duties as king of Uruk. Gilgamesh, part god, and human, becomes more human throughout his friendship with Enkidu. However, it is not until Enkidu’s death that the hero of the epic realizes the depth of human suffering. Enkidu’s death greatly saddens