Death and Friendship

Death and the importance of friendship are two important themes that are presented in The Epic of Gilgamesh. These two themes not only show the fragile side of Gilgamesh but also portray friendship as an important element in the story.

After Gilgamesh and Enkidu became friends, they decide to undertake a dangerous journey to the Cedar Forest in order to hunt down Humbaba. Humbaba is an ogre that was appointed by the gods and that protects the forest. For several days, they prepare and request the help of Shamash-the sun god. After days of traveling they enter the Cedar Forest and confront Humbada who is weakened by thirteen winds sent by Shamash. Humbada weakened, pleads for his life but is killed. After the downfall of Humbaba, the two characters return triumphantly. This journey leads Enkidu to his death.

The epic suggests that fear to death is one of the main themes in the story. This is shown when Enkidu dies. The death of Enkidu makes Gilgamesh realize that life is not eternal and even though he is 2/3 of a god, he will have the same fate as Enkidu. The death of a friend that can be considered a brother, can be devastating. On tablet number eight, Gilgamesh delivers a poetic speech. He is in deep sorrow and it shows that the powerful and invulnerable king portrayed early on in the story is now vulnerable and afraid to die. On the other hand, this incident also depicts friendship as a very important element. We can see throughout the story that the two characters have formed a valuable relationship. Before the two characters formed a bonded relationship, Enkidu was living among the wild animals. At the same time, Gilgamesh was considered the strongest and there was not a single person who matched his strength.