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

Reading Ancient Works

Throughout our study of ancient civilizations we had read various books that are quite different from those that most of us are used to. Some parts are against our belief. You must respect the fact that they have some pieces of the truth.
The people believed in numerous gods. They thought that certain gods ruled specific areas such as the sun. Christians understand that there is one God, who is ruler of everything. In fact, Jeremiah 10:10a and Acts 4:12 talk about there being one God who is able to save and help us.
In "Epic of Gilgamesh," we see another contrast. The purpose of Gilgamesh's heroic expeditions were to secure his fame. He wanted to be remembered. When Christians do heroic deeds they know it is only possible because of christ giving them the power to do so. they credit god so that He will be remembered so that people will turn to Him, admire Him, respect Him, love Him and become saved.
The last contrast is this. we make it our goal to abide by his commands and follow His examples. The people in 'Gilgamesh' and'The Odyssey' and 'Histories' all live in fear of being destroyed. their belief is that if they make one small error that the gods will become furious and severly punish them. All we have to do is bring our faults before the Lord, admit them, and He will forgive us because our God is very compassionate. Thank goodness!
These ancient texts show us that the people were similar to us in some ways and different in others. They were very religious, their thoughts were practically always focused on pleasing the gods. They didn't have everything right. Christ would have made them an amazing generation who were on fire for Him.
-Shelby in Michigan