I. Plot Summary

           In chapter 3, Gilgamesh stands as a triumphant man. Gilgamesh defeated Humbaba, who is guardian of the Cedar forest by the help of Enkidu, his brother and friend. Ishtar is the goddess of love and war and she is the queen of the heaven. When she is stricken by the beauty and triumph of Gilgamesh she desires to take him for her bridegroom. Ishtar makes many promises of fine things to Gilgamesh; however, he still turns down her proposal for marriage. Gilgamesh declines Ishtar’s marriage proposal because he doesn’t want to suffer the same fate as her previous lovers. Gilgamesh figures she will deceive him as she did them. Ishtar becomes furious and begins to complain to her father and mother. Her father is Anu and he is the father of heaven. Because Ishtar is so enraged with Gilgamesh, she asks her father to give her the Bull of Heaven to destroy him. This request also includes filling him with arrogance that will lead him to self-destruction. Despite such request, Gilgamesh stands once again as a triumphant man with the help of Enkidu by killing the Bull of Heaven. Because Gilgamesh and Enkidu killed Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven, it is decided by some of the gods that one of them must die. Although innocent, Enkidu is stricken with sickness and dies.

 II. Universal Appeal

          Gilgamesh has a lot of relevance to our modern day society. Gilgamesh and Enkidu are brothers and like most brothers they share a strong bond. When Gilgamesh sets out to find Humbaba, Enkidu is right there by his side. Most brothers today are like that as well. They will always have their brothers back no matter how bad a situation becomes.  In some cases, boys or men are best friends; however, because of the strong bond they share, they call one another “brothers.” Although they may not share the same parents or be related by blood, they share the same strong bond which shows they are worthy of such title.  Enkidu chooses to stand by his brother’s side. Regardless of having full knowledge that he might lose his life, he supports his brother. In today’s society, boys or men that share a strong bond and are willing to risk their lives for each other. It is a known fact that men have gone to jail for crimes they have not committed. Because they are trying to protect their brother or close friend, they will take the fall for them at all costs. That cost may be their life, going to jail, or getting hurt. There is no doubt Gilgamesh and Enkidu are like many of us in the 21st century. They too love and believe in brotherhood.

          The story of Gilgamesh teaches people how to stay true to themselves. For example, when Enkidu is introduced to the finer things in life he never lets it change who he is on the inside. In the world we live in today, there are many people like Enkidu. There are also people who will let having a lavish lifestyle change who they really are. Gilgamesh is offered many fine things by Ishtar as long as he accepts her marriage proposal. This goes to show that love cannot be bought and that we can’t let having material things change who we are. The story of Gilgamesh also teaches us that every action has a consequence and that everything happens for a reason and if you are fighting a battle with destiny, destiny will always win. That is something that every human being in existence can relate to.