Balancing Powers

Though Gilgamesh is legendary, the author seeks to inform us that he is not always exemplary or admirable. An equal is needed in order to counter and control his supernatural powers. It is fair to state that Gilgamesh possesses more God-like characteristics than mortal, however, the narrator infers that his equal, Enkidu, is a similar force of nature. He is hairy and inhumane; he grazes with the animals, and lacks the ability to speak. He sets the animals free from the dominance of humankind, which he believes to be a threat to the world’s balance. When Enkidu departs from his life in the wild and enters civilization, his redemption is through a single woman. Throughout this process, he is tamed when facing the power of a single woman’s sexuality.

Enkidu’s story entails the evolution of mankind, a transformation from nature and existing in the wild as animals to human existence. It is interesting to note that his transformation and fall from nature to civilization points towards the biblical story of Adam and Eve and their fall from innocence as they begin to realize the difference in their genders and sexuality. Female sexuality is a very powerful force that is responsible for making mankind possible. Meanwhile, however, sexual attraction does not really have anything to do with the “ultimate human relationship.” The love that exists between two equal comrades is more important. Some virtues already seen in this first tablet are balance and moderation. Gilgamesh is a very complicated character, mostly because he is part god and part mortal. The very characteristics that make him so great also makes him monstrous until he finds a balance between his “God side” and his “mortal side.” Likewise, Enkidu’s inhumane character must reach equilibrium with his humanity. He also needs an equally fit and strong enough spirit to control his powerful body.