Relationships of Ancient Mesopotamia

Tablets IV through VIII in The Epic of Gilgamesh show the growing bond between Gilgamesh and Enkidu. Earlier in the tale, Gilgamesh was shown to be wild and reckless, and Enkidu shown as pure and morally sound. These roles change in these new tablets. Gilgamesh becomes more mature, while Enkidu shows some of Gilgamesh’s earlier traits.

After we have read more of Gilgamesh, it would not surprise me if Cooper is correct in his claim that Gilgamesh and Enkidu share sexual relationships. Ancient Mesopotamia’s culture and modern culture are very different, so it is understandable for sexual relationships to be held hand in hand with friendships in Gilgamesh. Our society may have a difficult time grasping this, just as it may have a difficult time grasping how ancient Mesopotamia saw prostitution as a sacred role in society. Reading the Epic of Gilgamesh forces one to take a good look at society today, and notice how so many of its beliefs are not set in stone.