"Buddies in Babylonia"- Homosexuality Between Friends

The article "Buddies in Babylonia" by Jerrold S. Cooper takes the stance that the relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu in The Epic of Gilgamesh is in fact, not one of sexual nature. I would argue that the friendship of Gilgamesh and Enkidu is platonic but that in ancient Mesopotamia that type of platonic friendship meant something different than it does in our modern world today. Perhaps, the somewhat sensual words used to describe their bond and the depiction os embrace and/or kissing are actions that were considered non-sexual by the surrounding community.

Cooper puts particular emphasis on describing the social attitude toward homosexuality in Babylonia and greece in ancient times. From what i gathered, homosexuality is not necessarily frowned upon but it is homosexual relations with an equal citizen, as opposed to a slave, that is condemned and illegal. Gilgamesh and Enkidu are portrayed as being equal in the literature. Therefore it would go against the social norms of the time for both parties to engage in homosexual activity.

The story of of Gilgamesh and Enkidu seems to be one of strong friendship and chemistry not a tale of romantic pursuits. Additionally, there is plenty of clear evidence to illustrate a sexual relationship between the males and the females in the story. Why then, would the author not make a sexual relationship between two males as clear? I think that assuming Gilgamesh and Enkidu were lovers is somewhat reading into the material. I would suggest that the sensual manner in which their relationship is occasionally described is either for artistic effect or it is part of the customs of the time.