Summary of the Epic of Gilgamesh
An epic poem of Mesopotamia, The Epic of Gilgamesh is based on the theme of friendship between the king of Uruk, Gilmesh and Enkidu who is created by Gods to prevent Gilgamesh from oppressing his subjects. Gilgamesh is a cruel oppressor who subjects the people he rules to untold misery by raping women on their wedding nights and putting men to forced labor for building projects. In response to the prayers of the people groaning under such oppression, God creates Enkidu, a wild man living among animals. Enkidu is first discovered by a hunter who in order to tame him sends a harlot ...