Enkidu's Realization

Throughout the first seven tablets of The Epic of Gilgamesh, we see a complete transformation in the dynamic of the friendship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu. By the fourth tablet, the spontaneity of the developing friendship between the two is completely forgotten, as Enkidu comforts Gilgamesh through his nightmares as if the two have always been brothers.
Their relationship is so unique because they are evenly matched in power and mightiness, so Gilgamesh can go beyond his individual egotism and identify himself with Enkidu. Their love for each other is demonstrated throughout tablets four and five, as Enkidu relieves Gilgamesh of his fear of Humbaba that he develops throughout his dreams. Enkidu is also responsible for giving Gilgamesh the courage to slay Humbaba in Tablet V, a feat that would not have been possible without the trusting camaraderie between Gilgamesh and Enkidu.
In Tablet VII, we are told about the abrupt death of Enkidu and the moral dilemma he faces as he begins to pass away. At first, he condemns the members of society who were key to his integration into civilization, claiming that he was weakened and “defiled” by his knowledge of reasoning and understanding. He is anger with the Gods is only subsided by the words of Shamash, who tells him that it was those people that he is so angry with that allowed him to become brothers with Gilgamesh, a man who will mourn his death with respect and honor. It is notable that Enkidu is most comforted by the fact that Gilgamesh “will wander the wild” after his death, a sign of Enkidu’s developed selflessness and true love for Gilgamesh. After this realization, Enkidu sees that he must cherish the opportunity given to him for a life filled with love, and subsequently accepts his fate of death.