Complete each of the following questions, utilizing supporting evidence from the text.
How is Enkidu a problem for the trapper like or unlike Gilgamesh
... [Show More] is a problem for the citizens of
Uruk? How are the solutions of the citizens and the trapper like or unlike?
● Both situations disrupt the way each is taught to live. For example, the inhabitants of the city are
taught modesty, kindness, and loyalty. While they continue their loyalty toward Gilgamesh he
goes against their other teachings, as he leaves no woman unknown, and is a very cruel leader.
Endiku also does this in a sense, as the trapper is taught how to kill animals, be brave, live off the
land, and most importantly, trap. Enkidu comes and forces him into cowardice, tears his traps
down, and limits his ability to trap and kill animals.
What do you think Enkidu represents? What do you think the harlot represents?
● Enkidu represents Gilgamesh’s inner personality, and offers himself as a way for
Gilgamesh to come to a different realization when it comes to immortality. For example,
Enkidu must be similar to Gilgamesh in order to befriend him and create Gilgamesh’s
fear of death. GIlgamesh then searches for Uptipishman in order to obtain immortality,
but then after the snake eats it, he decides to change his ways and become immortal in
the eyes of future generations, rather than to actually live forever.
● The Harlot represents the evolution of humans when it comes to civilization. The harlot
takes a beast who runs wild with animals and is happy, to a man of wisdom and
enlightenment, able to live among others. Similar to the Native Americans, during
European colonization. The Natives would run alongside buffalo, as a means of survival.
however, when the colonists arrived they learned to farm, which lead to a less nomadic
lifestyle increasing population, and socializing between groups. These changes are
represented in Enkidu’s transition as well.
After what happens with the harlot, why do the wild animals suddenly shun Enkidu? Why do
you think Enkidu can't run as fast as before? Why has he suddenly gain reason and
understanding and become "like a god" ? In what ways does Enkidu move from nature to
culture?● Because in the moment, Enkidu no olnger thinks of natur eor animals, only of her. This is
why he is suddenly shunned, and his act against nature causes him to run slower. He
suddenly gained reason and enlightenment, as he transitions from beast to man,
becoming cultured and has an automatic understanding of mankind sue to the harlot’s
teachings.
● Enkidu moves from nature to culture, by living among men, dressing as a man, Is
educated, and speaks the language of men.
In what ways is the story of Enkidu and the harlot like or unlike that of Adam and Eve? (Does
Enkidu have a "fall"?) In what ways is it like or unlike the story of Adapa? Why do you suppose
that Enkidu and Gilgamesh become such good friends after they fight ?
● I feel that Enkidu and Adam and Eve have distinct similarities, but also differences. As
Enkidu takes a fall from nature when lying with the harlot, and is then shunned by
nature, similar to Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit and being cast outside of the
garden of Eden.
● It is unlike the story of Adapa as that story explains the reason humans are mortal, like
Adam and Eve, however, Enkidu was mortal from the beginning.
● Gilgamesh and Enkidu become friends because they have met another that is the same
as them, and humans long for people like them, and Enkidu losing that when he lost the
animals feels that once again resulting in their friendship.
What do you think are Gilgamesh's reasons for going to the cedar forest? Do you think they are
good ones? (Compare / contrast with Odysseus' reasons for adventure.)
● Gilgamesh goes into the cedar forest as a way to be remembered (immortal)
● Odysseus goes on his adventure originally to help restore Troy after the war, however is
banished from many years travelling the ocean and islands, only in search of home. Why
does Enkidu interpret Gilgamesh's dreams favorably? What do you think sleep or
paralysis symbolizes in this epic?
● Enkidu loves his friend and wants him to have good fortune, and always thinks positively
of him.
● Visions and the ability to see into the future, it also helps to represent the fact that
Gilgamesh is indeed part god, being able to see the future.
What do you think Humbaba represents? [Show Less]