Who Is Enkidu?
The wild man made from clay
Enkidu is the second hero of the Epic of Gilgamesh, a wild man created from clay by the goddess Aruru. His whole body is covered in hair, and he lives in the wilderness with gazelles and other animals, grazing on grass with them and drinking at the watering hole.
In Episode 1, he wrecks the hunter's traps, fills in his pits, and lets the game escape, much to the hunter's dismay. In Episode 2, after spending six days and seven nights with Shamhat, he finds that his former animal companions run from him. He can no longer run as fast as before, but in exchange he has gained a mind that can think and understand. At a shepherds' camp he eats bread and drinks beer, washes himself, puts on clothes, and begins to live as a human being. Then, hearing how the king of Uruk behaves, he sets out to confront him.
Enkidu goes on to become Gilgamesh's dearest friend, and the two set out on adventures together. His death becomes the great turning point of the story, forcing Gilgamesh to face the question of why people must die.
Episodes featuring this character2
NEWEpisode 1
The World's First Hero Was a TyrantGilgamesh and Enkidu
Gilgamesh is a young king no one can stop, and the people of Uruk suffer under him. Their cries reach the heavens, so the goddess Aruru shapes Enkidu, a wild man, from clay. A trapper spots him at a watering hole and, still afraid, sets out for Uruk.
19 pages
NEWEpisode 2
To Become Human, Add Bread and BeerEnkidu and Shamhat
At the watering hole, Enkidu meets Shamhat. He can never run with the herd again, but he gains wisdom, and with bread and beer he becomes human. Meanwhile in Uruk, King Gilgamesh dreams that a friend as strong as he is will soon arrive.
19 pages