As humans, we are inclined to desire human interaction and acceptance. These two concepts ultimately lead to friendship, a symbol dear to all of us, including the main characters of The Epic of Gilgamesh, Enkidu and Gilgamesh. Throughout the epic, the theme of friendship is depicted between these two characters through many different instances: traveling together, helping each other change positively, as well as empathizing and suffering for each other. While the relationship between Gilgamesh and his companion Enkidu is unique, it is also an instructive example of the true meaning of friendship. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay In the Epic of Gilgamesh, the relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu gets off to a rocky start. Gilgamesh, the leader of Uruk, was feared by his own people. One of his many less-than-admirable acts is what ultimately led him to meet the man who would take the place of his best friend and brother. This initial meeting, however, is not how most people assume a friendship can begin. Gilgamesh decided that before him he would have an affair with a man's new wife. When Enkidu learns of these plans, he becomes angry and decides to go to Uruk and block his wife's bed, preventing Gilgamesh from being within her reach. The two begin to argue, until they drag themselves to the ground, where they completely forget about their disagreements. They embrace and from that moment on Gilgamesh and Enkidu become best friends. Examples such as the possible personality changes of the two characters show the dynamic balance of the relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu. Although these men grow together as characters, Enkidu can be considered the more responsible of the two, as he helped Gilgamesh become a more compassionate, understanding, and fearless leader and man overall, while Gilgamesh molded Enkidu into a man as noble as himself. The concept that opposites attract is highly visible in the friendship of these two, as their opposite yet complementary personalities tend to balance each other like yin and yang. “No, Enkidu wept; it is the journey that will take our life away. Don't be afraid, said Gilgamesh. We are together." - their friendship became so strong that they ultimately became stronger together than apart. Such strength in harmony is demonstrated through their ability to conquer the invincible monster Humbaba, who is the guard of the Cedar Forest, a place taboo for mortals. Gilgamesh and Enkidu travel together for many days, encountering obstacles that they help each other overcome. Together, the two managed to kill Humbaba and bring his head back to Uruk as a trophy to be displayed throughout the city. The push and pull of their opposing personalities is truly what allows them to possess a friendship of such strength. One of the most notable parts of the friendship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu is the effect that Enkidu's death has on Gilgamesh The Goddess of love, Ishtar, falls in love with Gilgamesh but is rejected. This repudiation angers Ishtar; consequently, she calls upon the Bull of Heaven. The bull finally curses Gilgamesh. He and Enkidu decide to kill together once again, this time by directing their skill towards the bull. This killing further enrages the gods who conclude that the punishment is deserved, leading to Enkidu's slow and painful death. Gilgamesh sees his best friend and brother die, a process that is the spark of his downfall: a common characteristic of every epic hero. Enkidu's death has a dramatic effect on Gilgamesh, as he has conceptually lost a part of himself due to how close their.