A Lasting Friendship

Even though when Enkidu and Gilgamesh first met they fought with each other like enemies, they developed a surprisingly strong friendship. They became each other’s counterparts, giving each other courage and forgiving each other.

There is much evidence to show the gained trust they have of each other. Gilgamesh gives courage to Enkidu to start the journey to kill Humbaba and Enkidu gives courage to Gilgamesh when killing Humbaba. A slightly surprising contrast is shown when Enkidu gives courage to Giligamesh because before the journey, Enkidu kept warning Gilgamesh about the hardships that will be faced when trying to kill Humbaba, but when it comes time to kill, Enkidu seems adamant on going through with it. This maybe for the name Enkidu wants Gilgamesh and himself to gain. It could be an altruistic move for his brother, as he could want his brother to receive fame for his action.

Enkidu’s love for his brother Gilgamesh is clearly shown when Enkidu doesn’t blame Gilgamesh for Enkidu's fate, although Gilgamesh is the main reason Enkidu is destined to die. Gilgamesh is the one who convinces Enkidu to go on the journey although Enkidu warns of the hardships. Instead Enkidu blames the hunter and Shamhat for taking him away from his previous life. However, there is a hint that Enkidu knows Gilgamesh is partly to blame for his fate when he says, “’I who endured all hardships with you remember me, my friend, don’t forget all I went through” (62) before he dies.

The relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu develops into a kind bond in which they trust each other and forgive each other despite the circumstances.