only is Enkidu originally an entirely independent figure, having no connection with Gish or Gilgamesh, but that the latter is really depicted in the Epic as the counterpart of Enkidu, a reflection who has been given the traits of extraordinary physical power that belong to Enkidu. This is shown in the first place by the fact that in the encounter it is Enkidu who triumphs over Gilgamesh. The entire analysis of the episode of the meeting between the two heroes as given by Gressmann[1] must be revised. It is not Enkidu who is terrified and who is warned against the encounter. It is Gilgamesh who, during the night on his way from the house in which the goddess Ishḫara lies, encounters Enkidu on the highway. Enkidu “blocks the path”[2] of Gilgamesh. He prevents Gilgamesh from re-entering the house,[3] and the two attack each other “like oxen.”[4] They grapple with each other, and Enkidu forces Gilgamesh to the ground. Enkidu is, therefore, the real hero whose traits of physical prowess are afterwards transferred to Gilgamesh.
Similarly in the next episode, the struggle against Ḫuwawa, the Yale tablet makes it clear that in the original form of the tale Enkidu is the real hero. All warn Gish against the undertaking—the elders of Erech, Enkidu, and also the workmen. “Why dost thou desire to do this?”[5] they say to him. “Thou art young, and thy heart carries thee away. Thou knowest not what thou proposest to do.”[6] This part of the incident is now better known to us through the latest fragment of the Assyrian version discovered and published by King.[7] The elders say to Gilgamesh:
"“Do not trust, O Gilgamesh, in thy strength!
Be warned(?) against trusting to thy attack!
The one who goes before will save his companion,[8]
He who has foresight will save his friend.[9]
- ↑ Ungnad-Gressmann, Das Gilgamesch-Epos, p. 90 seq.
- ↑ Pennsylvania tablet, l. 198 = Assyrian version, Tablet IV, 2, 37.
- ↑ “Enkidu blocked the gate” (Pennsylvania tablet, line 215) = Assyrian version Tablet IV, 2, 46: “Enkidu interposed his foot at the gate of the family house.”
- ↑ Pennsylvania tablet, lines 218 and 224.
- ↑ Yale tablet, line 198; also to be supplied lines 13–14.
- ↑ Yale tablet, lines 190 and 191.
- ↑ PSBA 1914, 65 seq. = Jensen III, 1a, 4–11, which can now be completed and supplemented by the new fragment.
- ↑ I.e., Enkidu will save Gilgamesh.
- ↑ These two lines impress one as popular sayings—here applied to Enkidu.
