King of Uruk

The king of Uruk Gilgamesh is part god part human. Gilgamesh looked like and lived among humans, but he did not know what it was to be human. He was always alone and did not love any living being. By relying on superfluous material and power for happiness, it caused him to grow bitter. A great wall was ordered by Gilgamesh to be built around Uruk to show his power. At first the people of Uruk understood Gilgamesh, but as the wall kept rising higher and wider until it was massive, the people of Uruk grew impatient. All people of Uruk prayed to the sun god, Anu, to give them mercy.

 

Enkidu

As Anu heard their prayers he ordered the creation of a man as strong as Gilgamesh to rival him, Enkidu. Among the animals Enkidu was spotted by a hunter, who said he was the strongest man alive. Due to this Gilgamesh grew jealous of Enkidu and ordered Shamhat, a beautiful singer, to lure Enkidu to him. Gilgamesh planned to kill Enkidu in front of the people of Uruk and show his strength. Shamhat traveled into the wilderness to tend to Enkidu and cut his hair so he could walk amongst men. Enkidu and Shamhat grew to love each other and Enkidu followed her back to the village. The people of Uruk watched and stared as Enkidu came through the gates, although on the wall of Uruk stood Gilgamesh waiting to challenge Enkidu.

 

United

It was an intense and frightening battle. The Earth shook while lightning flashed, wind howled, and rain poured. The fighters seemed evenly matched until Gilgamesh slipped on a loose stone and stumbled over the edge of the wall. To everyone’s amazement, Enkidu reached over and saved Gilgamesh by grabbing his hand. Enkidu brought Gilgamesh to safety and taught him what it was to be human, to have a friend. Work on the wall was ordered to stop and the greatest celebration in the history of Uruk started. Celebrations went on for days, everyone was happy and dancing. Peace settled in Uruk and Gilgamesh planned how to make the city a better place while Enkidu spent time with Shamhat. Although Gilgamesh had changed his ways as a cruel king, making Uruk a happy place, terror and disaster still found a way to strike back. Pillars fell and roofs collapsed as the ground quaked underfoot killing Shamhat.

 

Humbaba

Gilgamesh blamed Humbaba, the terrifying demon guarding the cedar forest. A quest was made for Gilgamesh to kill Humbaba. Enkidu was scared, but found courage for Shamhat. The finest battle gear was made for them as they left to slay Humbaba. This time Gilgamesh was troubled by horrid dreams and Enkidu comforted him every night. In the forest, trees were so thick that Gilgamesh and Enkidu had to leave their chariots behind and chop through the forests alone. Humbaba was furious with them for coming to his domain, breathing fire and smoke he said "I will tear you apart". Lightning flashed, thunder roared, and smoke blinded the two warriors. Gilgamesh felt himself being lifted into the sky. However, a sudden gust of wind luckily blew the smoke away. Quickly Gilgamesh jammed his spear between the monster's jaws, Humbaba fell snarling as Gilgamesh and Enkidu sliced off his head.

Gilgamesh

Summary