The Gilgamesh Epic: Analysis of Major Characters
The Gilgamesh Epic is a foundational piece of literature from ancient Mesopotamia, exploring themes of friendship, mortality, and the quest for immortality. At its center is Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk, who is depicted as a demigod embodying wisdom, strength, and beauty. His journey begins with a fierce battle against Enkidu, another demigod created to rival him, which leads to an unexpected friendship that drives much of the narrative. Together, they embark on various heroic deeds, including the defeat of the monstrous Khumbaba.
The story takes a poignant turn with Enkidu's death, prompting Gilgamesh to confront his own mortality. His quest for the secret to eternal life leads him to Utnapishtim, a mortal who holds knowledge of immortality, but ultimately, Gilgamesh learns that such a fate is elusive. Other notable characters include Aruru, the goddess who created Enkidu, and Ishtar, the goddess of love and war, who becomes infatuated with Gilgamesh. The epic weaves together a rich tapestry of divine and human interactions, highlighting the cultural values of ancient Mesopotamian society. This exploration of major characters invites readers to reflect on profound human experiences, making it a timeless work of literature worth studying.
The Gilgamesh Epic: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Unknown
First published: c. 2000 b.c.e. (English translation, 1917)
Genre: Poetry
Locale: The ancient world
Plot: Adventure
Time: Antiquity
Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk, a demigod. He is the wisest, strongest, and most handsome of mortals. In earth-shaking combat, he overcomes Engidu, who has been fashioned by Aruru to be his rival. After the battle, the heroes become inseparable friends and companions through a series of heroic exploits. After Engidu dies, the grieving Gilgamesh seeks for and finds his friend in the land of the dead.
Engidu, a demigod formed by Aruru to be a rival to Gilgamesh. Vanquished by Gilgamesh, he becomes the hero's inseparable companion and goes with him to conquer Khumbaba. Accidentally touching the portal of the gate to Khumbaba's lair, he receives a curse from which he eventually dies. Allowed to meet the grief-stricken Gilgamesh in the underworld, he reveals to his friend the terrors of death.
Utnapishtim, a mortal who possesses the secret of life. After Engidu's death, Gilgamesh receives from Utnapishtim the secret—a magic plant—only to lose it on his homeward journey.
Aruru, a goddess who fashions Engidu from clay.
Anu, the chief of the gods.
Ninsun, a goddess and adviser to Gilgamesh.
Ishtar, a fertility goddess who is in love with Gilgamesh.
Siduri, the divine cupbearer.
Ur-Shanabi, the boatman on the waters of death.
Ea, the lord of the depths of the waters, who grants to Gilgamesh a meeting with the dead Engidu.
Khumbaba, a fearful monster.