Gilgamesh (Book V-Book VIII)

https://wiki.uiowa.edu/display/theatre/
Humbaba+Dramaturgical+Information

     This section brings about celebration and grief. Book V gives an insight to the importance of the friendship that Enkidu and Gilgamesh share. After entering the Cedar Forest Enkidu becomes frightened because he knows what is to come. Leading up to the initial contact with Humbaba Enkidu requires persuasion from Gilgamesh in order to continue the journey. Humbaba is the protector of the Cedar Forest and takes his job rather seriously. Humbaba is some ways reminds me of the Dr. Seuss character, The Lorax. He takes care of the forest and protects it from outsider coming in for its resources. Humbaba had numerous opportunities to kill both Gilgamesh and Enkidu during their travel in the forest. He chose to let them confront him, knowing that they would not be able to destroy him based on their own abilities. The only way that Gilgamesh kills Humbaba in the end is through the help of the Shamash's winds that pin him down. This display of testosterone is evidence of the pride that Enkidu absorbed. Humbaba foreshadows to the death of Enkidu and the discomfort of Gilgamesh through the use of his curse. Gilgamesh had reservations about slaughtering Humbaba, it is only through the persuasion of Enkidu that he followed through this action. Once the deed was done Gilgamesh and Enkidu celebrated their victory.
    Book VI is the humor break of the epic. Ishtar takes a liking to the physique of Gilgamesh. She tries to seduce him; however, he sees through her lies. He knows the history of Ishtar and her volatile nature. After becoming enraged, because Gilgamesh refuses to sleep with her, Ishtar goes to her father in order to borrow the Bull of Heaven. Through slight manipulation Ishtar is given the Bull and lets it lose on the earth. With the help of Enkidu, Gilgamesh is able to slaughter the Bull with ease. The fact that Gilgamesh and Enkidu have killed two possessions of the gods, gives the gods reason to end one of their lives. Enkidu becomes the sacrifice. In Book VII Enkidu begins cursing different people from his life. He throws blame onto the trapper that found him and Shamhat who "tamed" him. These curses come from the mouth of an angry soul who can only find blame in others. After Shamash shows Enkidu how Shamhat helped him he begins to view his life in more positive manner. Shamash also reminds Enkidu of his companionship with Gilgamesh. The importance of this relationship helps Enkidu come to terms with his inevitable death.
     Book VIII is how Gilgamesh deals with the death of his good friend. The book begins with Gilgamesh explaining who will mourn Enkidu. Gilgamesh then goes into depth about how he will mourn and dedicate different aspects of his fortune to Enkidu afterlife.
     This section helps the reader to understand the importance of the friendship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu. They are able to celebrate, but it is only after the death of Enkidu that Gilgamesh fully understands his need for a companion.