The gods answer the pleas of Gilgamesh's people by creating Enkidu, a man made of clay that has the equivalent greatness of Gilgamesh. Thus, Enkidu is the only man who has the power to change Gilgamesh. Enkidu is originally created to trump the power of Gilgamesh, however the two unite. ... Gilgamesh now investigates the possibility of immortality following the saddening death of his friend, his brother Enkidu. ... Although, Gilgamesh did not return to Uruk with the plant he learns the greatest lesson from Enkidu. ...

• Word Count: 1026
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

When a double for Gilgamesh, his second self (Mitchell 10) is created, Enkidu enters the fold. ... Gilgamesh forms a plan to tame Enkidu and lure him in rather than capture him or harm him. Gilgamesh solicits Shamhat, a priestess to lure Enkidu in with her "love-arts" (Mitchell 12). ... Gilgamesh and Enkidu are initially united in a bizarre context. ... After they battle, Gilgamesh comes away as the victor, but also as Enkidu's newly acquired friend. ...

• Word Count: 573
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

The story of Gilgamesh is perhaps one of the oldest myths known to modern man. ... Enkidu is one way that Gilgamesh is able to fill that void and ease his anxiety. What Gilgamesh finds in Enkidu is companionship. ... However, when Enkidu is killed Gilgamesh feels like he's lost his purpose for living. It is at this point that Gilgamesh truly begins to seek immortality. ...

• Word Count: 428
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

In celebrating Gilgamesh -- in reading The Epic of Gilgamesh -- we celebrate that which makes us human. In the prologue, we learn that Gilgamesh was two-thirds god and one-third man, and this knowledge is key to all that follows. ... While everlasting life is not his destiny, Gilgamesh will leave behind him a name that endures. "I will go to the country where the cedar is felled," he tells Enkidu. ... Thus Gilgamesh turns his attention away from small personal desires to loftier personal desires -- desires that benefit rather than harm Uruk. ...

• Word Count: 972
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School