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Alexandra E. P. Dahl
English 205-2
Dr. Rambo
February 22, 2016
Canon Response Paper: The Epic of Gilgamesh
The Epic of Gilgamesh starts off like every other story throughout time. It has main characters,it
contains conflict, there’s a journey, and there’s a conclusion. But with every story we read there is always
an ending result to the trials that we want to know, and they ultimately end up teaching us something in
return. The Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the greatest works of the ancient Mesopotamians, is the story of an
arrogant, aggressive, and horrid King of Uruk, Gilgamesh, who was not only two-thirds god, but also one-
third human who had a quest for immortality. He would over work his people for no reason at all and
sometimes the outcome would be killing them. This made the god of heaven cry out to the Lord of Uruk,
Aruru, who created Gilgamesh, to create an equal for him, someone who is strong enough to stand up to
him, but could end up saving him. For that reason, Aruru created Enkidu, a blend of human and wild
animal. Through their quest, Gilgamesh and Enkidu become close companions and discover life together.
As a result, we can determine that Gilgamesh and Enkidu, as a team, teach us three important meanings
and general truths to improving and enjoying life together as friends.
Gilgamesh, the King of Uruk, “was perfection in height, ideally handsome…and had no equal,”
(lines 54-57). Yet throughout his kingdom, his people would describe him as a bad, and undeserving
leader. “[Gilgamesh] stood forth by his game stick, he was harrying the young men of Uruk beyond
reason. Gilgamesh would leave no son to his father…this was the people’s shepherd,” (lines 58-63).
Being stuck between a rock and a hard place, his people knew he was the ruler, and in charge,but they
didn’t respect the actions, and situations he was creating for them. Therefore,there needed to be someone
created of equal value, as strong as Gilgamesh, in order to shape him up, show him meaning in life, and
ultimately teach him to care for others. This person, was Enkidu. When the time came and the two met,
“they grappled [wrestled] each other, holding fast like wrestlers,they shattered the doorpost, the wall

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shook… they fought in the street,the public square,” (lines 100-106). This gave Gilgamesh a battle, one
like he had never experienced before, since he was perfect in strength, headstrong as a bull and no one
compared to him. This also made Gilgamesh have respect towards someone other than himself, due to the
fact that Enkidu fought him, and didn’t back down from the fight. By this action taking place, was the
result in a companionship that had begun and respect that was starting to take place. I believe this is one
example of how Gilgamesh and Enkidu, as a team, teach us important meanings in life. There will be
battles, and we must be willing to stand up and firmly fight for a result. There always may be someone
stronger, or tougher, or bigger, but that doesn’t mean they will always win. This teaches the audience of
this epic that an event, such as a fight, can produce and start a friendship.
After the confrontation, we no longer see Gilgamesh and Enkidu as two separate people, but as
one unified friendship. “They kissed each other and made friends,” (p. 47, line 115). Later on, after the
unifying friendship, Gilgamesh, in full description, tells Enkidu about “Humbaba, the fierce monster they
must kill in order to wipe out the evil from the land,” (p. 48. lines 134-136). Gilgamesh is beginning his
friendship with Enkidu as the boss figure and being the leader of the adventures, because I believe he
knows no different. Back in Uruk he is above all, and rules above everything and everyone. Therefore,
ruling comes normal to him. Also noting here that Gilgamesh is no longer stating ‘he must kill, but we
must kill.’ Gilgamesh has gone from an arrogant, selfish King to someone who is starting to seek
companionship with another, and shows protection towards his land. Moving along to the elders talk with
Gilgamesh about the invading of Humbaba’s forbidden forest to cut down the cedar trees and how the
elders advised that he not lead. “Trust not, Gilgamesh, in your strength alone…he who goes in front saves
his companion, he who knows the path protects his friend. Let Enkidu walk before you, he knows the way
to the forest of cedars,he has seen battle, been exposed to combat. Enkidu will protect his friend,
safeguard his companion, let him return, to be a grave husband,” (p.50, lines 4-11). Now Gilgamesh is
basically being told by the elders that he shouldn’t lead, and that he needs to let Enkidu do it because he
knows best, and has the experience. I believe that this is a second example of how Gilgamesh and Enkidu,
as a team, teach us important meanings in life. You will not always be “the right man for the job,” but

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that is something you have to come to realize and accept. Someone will know more information than you
do, and you have to come to trust their judgement and let them have control.
Following Humbaba’s death, comes the next trial and fight with the princess Ishtar, and the Bull
of Heaven. During this time Gilgamesh and Enkidu have defeated Humbaba, and the princess Ishtar as
become interested in Gilgamesh and wishes to marry him. After a long talk with her, Gilgamesh realizes
how many men she has been with and denies her from marriage. Ishtar, gets very upset by his negative
comments towards her and talks with her father,Anu in releasing the Bull of Heaven in order to kill
Gilgamesh. Later,Anu gives in and releases the Bull of Heaven. This is a time that we see Enkidu make a
plan to give to Gilgamesh in order to defeat this beast. “I have seen, my friend, the strength of the Bull of
Heaven,So knowing its strength I know how to deal with it. I will get around the strength of the Bull of
Heaven,I will circle behind the Bull of Heaven, and I will grab it by the tuft of its tail, I will set my feet
on its […], Then you, like a strong, skillful slaughterer, Thrust your dagger between the neck, horn, and
tendon,” (p. 65, lines 124-131). Here we see again,Enkidu teaching Gilgamesh by taking charge of the
situation and Gilgamesh accepting that Enkidu takes control. Sadly, after the defeat of the Bull of Heaven,
Enkidu has a horrible nightmare, one in which describes his strength is running out. “The day he had the
dream, his strength ran out. Enkidu lay there one day, a second day he was ill, Enkidu lay in his bed, his
illness grew worse. A third day, a fourth day, Enkidu’s illness grew worse. A fifth, a sixth, a seventh, an
eighth, a ninth, a tenth day, Enkidu’s illness grew worse. An eleventh, a twelfth day, Enkidu lay in his
bed…[Enkidu dies] (p. 70, lines 160-167) Enkidu believed he was sick because of a curse, because of the
fact he feared the battle [with the Bull of Heaven]. Tragically, after his death, Gilgamesh was alone, with
no companion. Gilgamesh became so upset, even depressed about the loss of his friend that he “wept
bitterly,” (p. 72, line 1). Gilgamesh begged for Enkidu to return to him, “You who stood by me when we
climbed the mountain, seized and slew the Bull of Heaven…What now is this sleep that has seizes you?
Come back to me! You hear me not,” (p. 71, lines 46-50). Soon realizing that Enkidu wasn’t coming
back, Gilgamesh “touched his heart but it was not beating. Then he covered his friends face,like a
bride’s. Then he hovered round him like an eagle,” (p. 71, lines 52-54) and he wanted a statue made in the

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image of him. I believe that this is not only the third example of how Gilgamesh and Enkidu, as a team,
teach us important meanings in life, but also how Gilgamesh shows us true, loving friendship for his
companion. Enkidu taught us that even when he was scared he did what he had to do in order to help his
friend. While Gilgamesh taught us that mourning the loss of a friend is acceptable,and it’s never
something we want to feel, yet he honored and showed love and respect towards him. Friendship should
be about what is best for both people, and not just one. It is about putting the other person first, and
thinking about their needs ahead of yours. This describes the journey and also conclusion of not only the
Epic of Gilgamesh, but the Epic of two heroic companions.
Considering all the facts,The Epic of Gilgamesh conveys many teachings and meanings that we
as readers can learn from. Therefore, the Epic of Gilgamesh should be included in the canon of “great”
world literature because of what it gives and teaches us. This teachable epic shows us life, death,
friendship, self, power, violence, love, and protection. I believe that by teaching us so many ways of life,
but also friendship it should be within the category of great world literature because of the fact that in
today’s world we still have these same issues and results. People are always putting themselves above
others. We strive for power and nothing less, and sometimes we don’t care what gets in our way because
in the end we will get what we want. A story that can relate all of these topics together and intertwine
them to be able to teach people something over the thousands, and thousands of years, well that in its self
is astonishing, and is considered “Great!”

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Work Cited
Puchner, Martin. “The Epic Of Gilgamesh.” The Norton Anthology of World Literature. Shorter
Third Ed. Vol. 1. New York: W.W. Norton, 2013. 38-88. Print.