Ideas on Friendship in Gilgamesh

Four specific relationships stood out to me in Gilgamesh. First, we have Gilgamesh, who is the great ruler of Uruk, and Enkidu, Enkidu and Shamhat, Enkidu and the animals, and Gilgamesh and Ishtar.
Gilgamesh and Enkidu's friendship is the principal relationship in the book. When Enkidu first met Gilgamesh, "Gilgamesh met Enkidu in his rage. At the marital threshold they wrestled... the doorposts shook...and then the rage of Gilgamesh subsided... then Enkidu and Gilgamesh embraced and kissed." What a way to meet! After that, Gilgamesh and Enkidu were companions until death. The key to their success of conquering evil was because they willingly stayed together in good times and bad. During the times Gilgamesh and Enkidu were together, Gilgamesh was confident but when he was without his companion, Enkidu, he got worried and discouraged. By reading about this relationship, we learn about two people who always encourage, confide and protect one another and always stick together.
Enkidu and the animals form the second relationship from which we can benefit. Enkidu took great care of the animals. Loving and protecting the animals is what made them be at ease with Enkidu. Everyone wants a friend who they can trust even when times are tough.
The third relationship was between Enkidu and Shamhat, who is a harlot. For Enkidu, this relationship was a distraction. When he was with shamhat, everything was at peace for him, but it cost him the relationship he had with the animals. Shamhat and Enkidu were captivated with each other but it was not a beneficial relationship. Clearly, we see from this relationship that we can't be overly careful with whom we form friendships.
Ishtar also wanted to form a friendship with Gilgamesh. To Gilgamesh, however, it would not be a worthwhile relationship because of what Ishtar's former relationships looked like.
Gilgamesh is full of relationships that demonstrate how to have a good relationship with someone. Opening your eyes a little is all you need to do in order to see them. Hopefully, you will walk away from this book a wiser friend.
-Shelby in Michigan