The epic of gilgamesh by stephen mitchell Free Essay Example, 1250 words

Maybe Enkidu is purposely avoiding this discussion as to not excite Gilgamesh since he is already so fearless. Enkidu tries to convince that man is a weak and feeble creature through various exhibitions, like: â€Å"But how can any man dare to enter†¦Ã¢â‚¬  and â€Å"Hasn’t he put Humbaba there to terrify men? † (Mitchell, 93). This shows how Enkidu is uncertain of the strength and qualities of man and, like his gods, undermines and questions man’s abilities. Enkidu tries to explain how any man who faces the Humbaba will be overwhelmed by fear, which helps to highlight the fact that Enkidu considers mankind to be frail and coward (Mitchell, 93). Even though it is only mankind that Enkidu is skeptical about, he tries to convince Gilgamesh to forgo the quest in the following words: â€Å"Who among men or gods could defeat him? † (Mitchell, 93). This shows that Enkidu is extremely desperate about not going on the quest as he is sure of the overpowering qualities of the Humbaba. Enkidu seems to consider humans as inferior and helpless beings against the gods an d their will. We will write a custom essay sample on The epic of gilgamesh by stephen mitchell or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now The way he tries to convince Gilgamesh to not go on the quest as the creature arranged by gods will overpower them and they will fail is a clear indication of the lack of faith he has in himself and his accomplice. There seems to contradictions in Enkidus description of the Humbaba when he says that the Humbaba has been put in the jungle to terrify men. He never at any point during the description of the beast mention that it will kill anyone but he very discretely emphasizes that it is so terrifying that its rivals are seized with fear when they confront it. Enkidu mentions that the Humbaba’s rivals will lose because fear will be their main hindrance. He is constantly ignoring how Gilgamesh is a gallant character and is not afraid of death or facing gods for what is right. Enkidu is ignoring the fact that it might be Gilgamesh’s bravery that might allow them to overpower and kill the Humbaba. Enkidu is constantly contradicting his statements. At one point in the conversation he says the beast is terrifying and no man stands a chance against him, but he doesn’t mention that Humbaba has killed anyone. Then Enkidu contradicts his statements when he says that Gilgamesh is no challenge to the creature. This means that Enkidu is saying that the beast will be able to overwhelm and kill Gilgamesh. It is clear that Enkidu has no solid stance to stop the brave and enthusiastic Gilgamesh from battling the creature. Enkidu does seem to prove his point as he again and again reminds that the Humbaba is the god, Enlil, so fighting him would mean clear opposition of the god.