The nature around us

Gilgamesh and Enkidu have been companions since early in the text. At first they represented almost like opposites of one another, but soon they became similar in thoughts and actions. Enkidu was a representation of nature and living in harmony with the world and its beings, while Gilgamesh was a greedy ruler that seeks progress of him and his people before the well being of nature. At first, Enkidu had a “leaver” mentality and behavior. “He feeds upon the grasslands with gazelles; visits the watering places with the creatures who’s hearts delight, as his delights, in water”(p.5). This shows Enkidus identity as he was created, but he changes drastically through his relationship with Gilgamesh, who is more like a “taker”. “Gilgamesh, who’s aura and power cannot be withstood” (p.9). This shows Gilgamesh is a being of power and destruction, much like our current civilization. We want to control all and be part of everything, and end up killing nature and its wonderful creatures. When they unite as companions, they embark on missions such as killing Huwawa that prove not only the cruelty of Gilgamesh, but the transformation of Emkidu. We could establish a direct comparison between Enkidu and his change and the leavers on our world who are forced by the takers to change into completely different beings. Enkidua and leavers both change their habits as a result of new surroundings, but consequences are drastic. Enkidu ends up dead as a result of his change of personality. And if we take a look at historical facts, most of the leavers that have been changed into what we are don’t survive much, and their cultures are lost in the past. And when Enkidu is lost and Gilgamesh continues to interact with nature, he controls it and uses it however he wants for his benefit, even if it means killing the environment. “Hear my prayer and save me as I enter the passes where there are lions!” (p. 48). He shows his fear towards the dangers of nature, but the true is that he is a danger to nature, killing the lions in the passes and the trees to make clothing and a boat to travel the waters. Gilgamesh and Enkidu have different personalities, but their relationship with nature ends up being very similar. They are destructive and mindless of their actions, as our civilization is. And we may also fall into the abyss like Enkidu is if we don’t start taking care of our actions, being mindful of nature. Therefore, let’s stop being who we are, let’s make a positive change in our relationship with nature, so that we can have positive consequences on ourselves and our followers.