A Name Eternal

In the first few tablets of the Epic of Gilgamesh we are introduced to Enkidu, a strong even powerful character, who is praised for his strength. As the story progresses however we can see that he is also a man of subtle intelligence, who understands Gilgamesh and what motivates him. Enkidu uses this skill to motivate and even control Gilgamesh.
As Gilgamesh prepares to depart on his journey to fight Humbaba he speaks to the elders of Uruk and tells them that through fighting Humbaba, “I will establish a name eternal.” We see here in this comment a very important aspect of the character of Gilgamesh. He is ambitious. This ambition brings him face to face with the powerful foe of Humbaba. Gilgamesh in a strange moment of indecision stands ready to deal a death blow to this foe, but he does not. Enkidu urges Gilgamesh to slaw the ogre and brings back the line from the second tablet. He tells Gilgamesh “Establish forever a name that endures, how Gilgamesh slew ferocious Humbaba!” Gilgamesh does not immediately respond to Enkidu’s urges. Indeed Enkidu must continue urging him on, and even repeats the line once more. Not long afterward Gilgamesh follows Enkidu’s directions, and kills Humbaba.
Enkidu’s ability to understand Gilgamesh allows him great control over Gilgamesh. It is this control that Humbaba sensed as he faced death. All of Humbaba’s verbal attacks are pointed towards Enkidu as a result of this. It is this control that we can catch a glimpse of as we read of the epic battle verse Humababa.