following Gilgamesh and Enkidus defeat of the mighty Humbaba. Most importantly, Enkidus companionship serves only to unfold future events for which Gilgameshs character can develop. Perhaps Enkidus greatest effect on Gilgameshs character occurs with his death. This loss of companionship shows the reader the actual evolution of Gilgamesh since the beginning of the story, while continuing to pave the road for future development. Up to the death of his only friend, Gilgamesh thought of himself as invincible and immortal. With Enkidus demise, Gilgamesh falls into a state of misery and realization. Instead of returning to his old selfish ways, his agonizing sorrow and newfound recognition of mortality send him on a new quest to defeat fate. He states How can I rest, how can I be at peace? Despair is in my heart. What my brother is now, that shall I be when I am dead. Because I am afraid of death I shall go as best I can to find Utnapishtimfor he has entered the assembly of the gods. This journey ultimately leads to the failure of Gilgamesh in his journey to defeat his fate, yet befalls upon him a sense of humility and acceptance of his destiny. Although many other factors contribute to Gilgameshs development, the author uses his best friend Enkidu to mold a selfish and brazen ruler into a humble, mature and unforgotten hero.Other notable characters taking part in Gilgameshs development include Ishtar and Utnapishtim. These static characters do not develop throughout the story, but instead, serve only to propel Gilgamesh towards his fate. Ishtar, daughter of the god Anu, contributes to his development through her proposed desire to marry him. His denial of her proposal accomplishes two very important objectives in the protagonists growth and change. Not only does the denial set forth a chain of events that would ultimately lead to the fall of his best friend, but also, it serves as a landmark to highlight Gilgameshs development th...
