Gilgamesh Versus Enkidu

As mentioned in class, there may be a discrepancy between the interpretation of the texts by George Smith and our own interpretation of the battle between Gilgamesh and Enkidu. The text does indeed show that Gilgamesh was at his knees at some point, but Enkidu does admit to Gilgamesh’s superiority. Reading through the next few tablets, I have encountered more evidence that has swayed my interpretation.
To begin with, it seems that Gilgamesh, as respected for his greatness and courage, shows much weakness through his four dreams in Tablet IV. After each dream, Enkidu must assure Gilgamesh that his dreams are of good omens and that he should not worry. In Tablet V when Enkidu and Gilgamesh encounter Humbaba, Gilgamesh shows further weakness by telling Enkidu: “Though boldly we came up to his lair to defeat him, yet my heart will not quickly…” Enkidu then proceeds to say: ”Why, my friend, [do you] speak like a weakling? With your spineless words you [make] me despondent.” As shown through the text, Enkidu is always encouraging Gilgamesh and reminding him of his power.
Furthermore, it seems that throughout the text, Enkidu is the wiser warrior and is constantly giving advice to Gilgamesh. He advises Gilgamesh to quickly kill Humbaba before the gods come down on them. In Tablet VI, when the Bull of Heaven comes down, it is Enkidu who comes up with the plan to slay the bull. Gilgamesh is glorified because Enkidu allows Gilgamesh to do the slaughtering of both Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven. However, in my opinion, Gilgamesh is falsely glorified and Enkidu comes out to be a better warrior.