Enkidu is
as loyal, courageous, and determined as Gilgamesh. However, his humility exceeds that of
Gilgamesh.
In the story, Enkidu challenges Gilgamesh's exercise
of jus primae noctis (the right of the first night, where
the king beds a young bride before her husband does). Enkidu asserts that this practice is a
flagrant abuse of a king's power. He challenges Gilgamesh but is overcome by the latter's
superior strength.
Despite his defeat, Enkidu graciously accepts Gilgamesh's
offer of friendship. He acknowledges that Gilgamesh's "strength surpasses the strength of
men," and he willingly pledges to follow him. Although Enkidu is as brave a warrior as
Gilgamesh, he is more cautious in nature. Unlike Gilgamesh, Enkidu prefers to ensure that a
possibly successful plan is in place before he ventures forth.
When
Gilgamesh voices his resolve to confront Humbaba (the watchman of the cedar forest), Enkidu begs
him to first inform Shamash (the sun god) of his plans. Gilgamesh takes Enkidu's...
No comments:
Post a Comment